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Rachel Griffiths, an acclaimed Australian actor and filmmaker, understands the critical importance of sustaining a vibrant local film industry. Australian screen veterans have called for urgent measures to protect homegrown filmmaking as global streaming giants risk overshadowing national stories.
Griffiths' career spans many notable Australian films, including her breakout role in Muriel’s Wedding and the war drama Hacksaw Ridge. She gained international recognition with Oscar-nominated performances in Hilary and Jackie and Saving Mr Banks, showcasing skills honed in Australia before starring in large international productions like Anyone But You, which utilized the country's top-tier film facilities and crew.
In addition to acting, Griffiths has directed and produced, notably the Melbourne Cup movie Ride Like a Girl, giving her insight into the industry's complex commercial side. She is also an avid fan of Australian cinema, appreciating classics like the historical drama Gallipoli, the Oscar-nominated Lion, and the Indigenous musical rom-com The Sapphires.
“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
Griffiths highlights that the survival of Australian stories depends on a robust industry that empowers creators to reflect the nation’s unique identity beyond dominant foreign influences.
Author's summary: Rachel Griffiths emphasizes the necessity of a thriving Australian film industry to preserve national storytelling and cultural identity amid global streaming competition.