National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)

The Douglas Mawson Antarctic Expedition of 1912 is considered one of the most amazing feats of endurance of all time. Although his two companions perished, Douglas Mawson survived, but how? In a bold historical experiment, scientist and adventurer Tim Jarvis is retracing the gruelling experience, with the same meagre rations, primitive clothing and equipment to uncover what happened to Mawson physically — and mentally — as a man hanging on the precipice of life and death.

WINHANGANHA (Wiradjuri language: Remember, know, think) - is a lyrical journey of archival footage and sound, poetry and original composition. It is an examination of how archives and the legacies of collection affect First Nations people and wider Australia, told through the lens of acclaimed Wiradjuri artist, Jazz Money.

After 96 years under British rule, in 1970 Fijian independence was restored. In the centre of celebratory events was HRH the Prince of Wales. This film provides a record of the official ceremony on 10 October that saw the handover of the constitutional instruments. It includes the reading of a message from Her Majesty the Queen by the Prince of Wales and the official speech by the Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamises Mara in which he talks about the determination to build a strong, united Fiji, rich in its diversity. The film also depicts ceremonies and performances from the various cultural groups that comprise the people of Fiji. Finally, we follow Prince Charles to the places he tours which include the old capital, Levuka, as well as Taveuni, Savusavu, Nadi, Tavua, Labasa and Lautoka.

A documentary about the disappearance of school girls on St. Valentine's Day, 1900 at Australia's Hanging Rock.

A road safety film for pedestrians in city traffic. Demonstrates typical unsafe practices.

On 12 July 1979 the Gilbert Islands in the central Pacific became independent from British rule. The country then became known as Kiribati. This film shows the lifestyle of the people of these 33 islands, their history and culture, the natural resources and the effects of colonialism, World War Two, nuclear testing and foreign industry. It also records the celebrations that took place at this important moment in the country's history and looks to the nation's future.

Essie Coffey gives the children lessons on Aboriginal culture. She speaks of the importance of teaching these kids about their traditions. Aboriginal kids are forgetting about their Aboriginal heritage because they are being taught white culture instead.

The first documentary of Frank Thring’s Cities of the Empire series, this episode is about Melbourne in Victoria. It shows the city’s architectural highlights and public buildings along with its famous parks and gardens.

‘memory film: a filmmaker’s diary’ is an immersive poetic documentary based on Jeni Thornley’s Super8 archive (1974-2003) filmed during the decades of her political and personal filmmaking, while producing ‘Maidens’, ‘To the Other Shore’, ‘Island Home Country’ and the collaborative feature ‘For Love or Money’. Documenting the activism of three decades amidst the intense sexual politics of radical feminism and social change, ‘memory film’ tells the inner story of a journey of liberation – gender fluidity, utopian feminism, love and its tribulations, the pleasure and pain of motherhood, violence against women, the desire for a world free of war and colonizing, and ultimately mortality and impermanence.

Shows new methods in treating those afflicted with mental health issues. Contrasts past treatment regimes where people were locked away out of sight with the new, 1960s, psychiatric ideas of "group therapy" and talking therapy. Also shows practical behaviours aimed at returning patients to productive lives in society and outpatient services.

Made by the Department of Immigration to entice immigrants from Great Britain, this film shows an idyllic picture of life in the Western Australian regional town of Geraldton in the mid 1960s.

Made by the Department of Immigration to entice immigrants from Great Britain, this film shows an idyllic picture of life in the New South Wales regional town of Wagga Wagga in the mid 1960s.

Made by the Department of Immigration to entice immigrants from Great Britain, this film shows an idyllic picture of life in the South Australian regional town of Mount Gambier in the mid 1960s.

The way of life for people living along the tropic of Capricorn in Queensland 1965. Farming and mining are the main industries in this area of Australia and the only way to get around is by road train, train or plane. The hard way of life for these people is portrayed in this film.

Excessive speed is the number one killer on the roads: one-thrid of all road deaths are caused by it. By excessive speeding drivers risk their own lives and those of others.

This film about Library services in Australia shows some of the work of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Library, the National Library with its varied resources and examples of State, University, special and public services suggesting their value in meeting needs for information at all levels. The library movement has become a vital part of Australian life. How libraries have fitted into society all over Australia, from the bustle of Sydney's Kings Cross to the remote outback.

Canberra, the National Capital of Australia, is a city which has been planned; a place where modern living is enriched by a lovely setting. But the hustling young city of today is expanding and developing, and there is emerging the pattern of the proud city of tomorrow.

A road safety lesson using puppets and animation kindergarten age children.

A collection of early Australian films about bushrangers, compiled by Australia's National Film and Sound Archive. Films are: [unknown] (1906), The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906), The Story of the Kelly Gang (1910), Thunderbolt (1910), Trooper Campbell (1914), The Kelly Gang (1920), Robbery Under Arms (1920), When The Kellys Were Out (1923), and Trooper O'Brien (1928).

A young man finds a box by the seashore. On looking inside it, he sees a view of the ocean floor, travelling through seaweed and other sea life.