This work investigates the rapid emergence and international recognition of the Australian film industry during the 1970s, questioning how a dormant national cinema transformed into a global cultural force. David Stratton, a prominent critic and festival director, utilizes his extensive first-hand experience and archival research to document the creative output of this era. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the directors, producers, and funding bodies that facilitated this creative surge, framing the revival as a deliberate shift in national identity and artistic ambition.

This text is widely regarded as the definitive primary source for understanding the mechanics and aesthetic evolution of the Australian film revival. Its detailed documentation and critical insight make it a standard reference for scholars and enthusiasts of national cinema movements.