Rachel Griffiths, having experienced Australian cinema from multiple perspectives, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong and sustainable national film industry. With streaming giants increasingly dominating global entertainment, many Australian screen veterans are calling for stronger measures to preserve local storytelling traditions.
Griffiths began her career with standout performances in classics like Muriel’s Wedding and the war epic Hacksaw Ridge. Her Oscar-nominated roles in Hilary and Jackie and Saving Mr. Banks expanded her international reputation, proving the global appeal of Australian talent.
She has also taken part in major international productions such as Anyone But You, which utilized Australia’s top-tier studios and highly skilled workforce. Beyond acting, Griffiths explored directing and producing with the sports drama Ride Like a Girl, a film that revealed the creative and business challenges of the industry.
As a devoted viewer, Griffiths appreciates homegrown films that capture the heart of Australian identity—classics such as Gallipoli, the moving drama Lion, and the lively Indigenous musical The Sapphires. These works, she believes, reflect the diversity and resilience of Australian culture.
“A strong local film and television industry is vital because it gives us the power to tell our own stories, to nurture and grow our idea of who we are as unique from other dominant global cultures.” — Rachel Griffiths
Rachel Griffiths highlights the necessity of protecting Australia’s local film industry to ensure national stories continue thriving amidst global streaming competition.
Author’s Note: Rachel Griffiths advocates passionately for the survival of Australia’s film industry, underscoring its key role in shaping and expressing the nation’s cultural identity.