Oz Film Files is a podcast hosted by A/Prof Stephen Gaunson, brought to you by the RMIT Australian Screen Research Collection and RMIT Culture.
In each episode, we delve into interviews with specialists who have shaped or contributed to the Collection or broader Australian film industry. We explore the intersection of Australian film, history, and material culture, connecting scholars, enthusiasts, and archivists.
Show theme and music produced by Oliver O’Brien (@olvr_undr)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Acclaimed Australian filmmaker John Hughes joins Steve to reflect on his influential career in Australian documentary cinema. Discussing his early experiences at the ABC, his transition to independent filmmaking and social and political issues that have shaped his practice. The conversation explores Australian film history, archives, Indigenous rights, racism, working-class experience and the importance of challenging dominant narrative.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
8 Sept 2026
Episode 13 - Sue Maslin
Award-winning producer Sue Maslin joins Steve on Oz Film Files to reflect on her influential career in Australian cinema. Discussing key collaborations with Daryl Dellora, Jocelyn Moorhouse and editor Jill Bilcock, Maslin explores storytelling, producing, and her longstanding advocacy for gender equality in the screen industry.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
4 Aug 2026
Episode 12 - Geoff Gardner
In this episode of Oz Film Files, Steve talks with Geoff Gardner about his remarkable contribution to Australian film culture. Geoff reflects on his early involvement with independent classics such as Bonjour Balwyn, his time as Artistic Director of the Melbourne International Film Festival in the early 1980s, and the founding of Cinema Reborn, dedicated to preserving and celebrating restored screen classics.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
9 Jun 2026
Episode 11 - David Kilderry
Steve chats with cinema veteran David Kilderry, tracing his journey from teen projectionist to receiving his Projectionist's Licence at RMIT Radio School in Melbourne and moving into roles at Hoyts and Village during the multiplex boom. They dive into a projectionists hands-on craft, the changing cinema culture, the State Theatre, and launching the Lunar Drive-in in Dandenong.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
12 May 2026
Episode 10 - Kirsten Stevens
In this episode, Steve and Kirsten Stevens discuss the early days of the Melbourne Film Festival, reflecting on its formative aims and challenges. They also consider the rise of virtual film festivals and unpack the industrial, cultural and organisational logics involved in running a contemporary film festival. Kirsten also names her favourite all time film festival!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
12 Apr 2026
Episode 9 - Gus Berger
Steve speaks with Melbourne film director and exhibitor Gus Berger about the logistics of literally building a cinema from the ground up. They unpack film curation versus programming, cultivating community beyond audiences, and discuss Gus’s superb documentary, Lost City of Melbourne.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
3 Mar 2026
Episode 8 - Graham Shirley
In this episode, Steve talks with archivist and film historian Graham Shirley about his path from teenage film enthusiast to a leading figure in Australian film preservation and history. Graham reflects on his early research, studying at AFTRS, his work at the ABC, and major restoration and oral history projects at the National Film and Sound Archive, offering rich insights into Australia’s screen heritage.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
2 Feb 2026
Episode 7 - Cerise Howard
Cerise Howard—film critic, curator, and long-time champion of Australian screen culture—reflects on her path through festivals, programming, and advocacy for diverse cinematic voices. With Steve, she discusses her curatorial philosophy, the importance of community, and the enduring significance of the Melbourne Cinémathèque.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
1 Dec 2025
Episode 6 - Maggie Miles
Director and producer Maggie Miles talks to Steve Gaunson about her impressive filmography that includes producing films with Paul Cox and Robert Connolly, working with Jack Thompson and her recent shift into documentary direction including the 2025 release Journey Home, David Gulpilil.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
31 Oct 2025
Episode 5 - Bill Mousoulis
Bill Mousoulis is an unsung legend of Australian independent cinema on many levels. Though many know him as an Greek-Australian independent filmmaker he is also the co-founder of several Australian film cultural institutions such as the Melbourne Super 8 Film Group (1985) and the online journal Senses of Cinema (1999). In this chat Bill also tells Steve why film co-ops remain crucial in building film collectives and why filmmakers are becoming too precious in holding their films back from public view.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
5 Oct 2025
Episode 4 - Fincina Hopgood
Steve Gaunson never had the opportunity to meet Alan Hopgood, the writer of Alvin Purple. However, with the donation of several of Alan's files to the Australian Screen Research Collection, it seemed an ideal opportunity to invite his daughter, renowned film academic Fincina Hopgood, for a discussion. She will share insights she gained about her father from reviewing his archives and how this process helped her navigate her grief after his passing.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
1 Sept 2025
Episode 3 - Tim Chappel
Tim Chappel began his career with hand-painted costumes at Sydney's Paddington Markets. He quickly advanced to become a renowned costume designer, winning an Academy Award, BAFTA, and AFI Award. In this high-energy chat, Tim shares his experiences working between Australia and Hollywood, along with fascinating stories, including his friendship with Madonna.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
4 Aug 2025
Episode 2 - Deb Verhoeven
Deb Verhoeven has long been a leading advocate for Australian film heritage. In this episode, she discusses her pivotal role in transferring the AFI Research Collection to RMIT University. Additionally, Steve and Deb explore her ongoing efforts to build and unlock archives for public access.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
6 Jul 2025
Episode 1 - Antony Ginnane
Antony Ginnane has been a prominent and influential figure in the Australian film industry since the 1970s. Steve and Tony discuss the establishment of a small distribution company, Studio Films, which imported international films. This venture marked the beginning of Tony's long and successful career as a leading film producer in Australia. He reflects on significant industry changes and his experiences working with renowned directors such as Richard Franklin, Brian Trenchard-Smith, Simon Wincer, and Gillian Armstrong.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Contact OZ Film Files
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of OZ Film Files?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
