Aussie Films Need Longer Runs

LOCAL films needed to be given longer runs at the box office if they were to compete with international blockbusters, the head of the Australian Film Institute (AFI) said today.

With 16 Australian films to be released in the second half of 2006, acting AFI chief executive Jennie Hughes said there would be some strong contenders at this year's AFI Awards in December.

"The hardest thing is actually keeping things on screen," Ms Hughes said.

"If you could keep films on screen for a bit longer, I think it would give them a much better opportunity.

"The demand for cinema screens is just so fearsome ... all of a sudden you blink and a film is gone, sessions are decreased."

Ms Hughes this week launches the AFI's 48th annual Festival of Film, showcasing local features, documentaries, short films and animated films eligible for the 2006 AFI Awards.

The AFI Festival of Film will run for three weeks, beginning on August 25, with screenings in Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra.

"It is an extraordinary year for Australian film," Ms Hughes said.

"It is just a diverse slate and they're all really good films."

Local films being screened include Suburban Mayhem, Opal Dream, Last Train to Freo, Ten Canoes, Macbeth, Kokoda, 2:37, The Book of Revelation and Footy Legends.

With such a large contingent of Australian films, some industry insiders have raised concerns that some will struggle to find an audience.

Ms Hughes admitted it may be tough going for some films.

"It is difficult because of the competition but funnily enough, good films eventually find their way through," she said.

Source: www.news.com.au