Film Australia Collection

The NFSA is the proud custodian of the Film Australia Collection (FAC), preserving and providing access to the nation’s documentary record – our collective memory. Read more

About the Film Australia Collection

The NFSA is the proud custodian of the Film Australia Collection (FAC), preserving and providing access to the nation’s documentary record – our collective memory.

In addition to its extensive historical film and audiovisual holdings, the FAC continues to enable filmmakers to produce new content.

Film Australia and its predecessors were Australian Government-owned agencies, whose mission was to produce an audiovisual record of Australian life.

Film Australia (1973–2008) became one of the nation’s leading producers of television documentaries and educational programs and served as a training ground for some of the biggest names in Australia’s film industry. People like Fred Schepisi, Phillip Noyce, Peter Weir, Dean Semler, Anthony Buckley, Jan Sharp, Gillian Armstrong, Tim Burstall, and many others developed their early careers at Film Australia.

Film Australia followed three decades of documentary production under the auspices of an organisation formed in 1946 which was known under several names including the Film Division of the Department of Information and the Commonwealth Film Unit.

Throughout 2013 the NFSA is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the FAC, commencing with the appointment of Bert Ive in 1913 as the first long-term Official Commonwealth Government Cinematographer. To mark this milestone, the NFSA will share FAC materials with the public both online and with a variety of events nationwide throughout the year.

Library

The FAC Library preserves, manages the rights and provides access to the titles in the collection, including film, tape, digital files, stills and related rights management documentation.

To discover the FAC through preview clips, still images and detailed title and shot information, visit the Film Australia Collection Library.

Program Sales

A worldwide marketing and distribution service for FAC titles, licensing to broadcasters and other media platforms in Australia and overseas, and distributing to retail outlets, educational institutions, libraries and community groups. The catalogue consists of a wide range of documentaries on social issues, arts, history, environment and Indigenous content.

To browse the catalogues, search and order programs, visit Film Australia Collection Program Sales.

100th Anniversary stills showcase

Film Australia Collection © NFSA

This showreel is a tribute to Film Australia’s many filmmakers, their subjects and stories. Stills are also available for viewing on our Flickr channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detailed information about the transfer of the Film Australia Collection, Library (formerly Screen Australia Library) and Program Sales (formerly Screen Australia Sales) to the NFSA as of 1 July 2011.