Australian film coverage in mainstream media has been shrinking for years. Arts pages are getting thinner, dedicated film critics are being made redundant, and the remaining coverage tends to focus on whatever Hollywood is promoting that week. But in podcasts, Australian film criticism and industry analysis is actually thriving. Here are five worth subscribing to.

1. Screen Dwell

If you only listen to one podcast about Australian cinema, make it this one. Screen Dwell combines thoughtful film criticism with genuine industry insight, and the hosts have the connections and knowledge to go beyond surface-level commentary.

What I particularly appreciate is their willingness to be critical of the local industry without being negative. They celebrate what’s working while honestly acknowledging what isn’t. Their festival wrap-up episodes, particularly for MIFF and SFF, are essential listening if you want a considered overview of the major programs.

Episodes typically run 45-60 minutes, which is long enough to go deep on a topic without overstaying their welcome. The back catalogue is worth exploring too.

2. The Gist

A broader film podcast that gives Australian cinema significantly more attention than most. The hosts have genuine affection for local films and frequently interview Australian filmmakers, distributors, and critics.

What distinguishes The Gist is its accessibility. If you’re not a hardcore cinephile, the conversation is still engaging and informative. They contextualise Australian films within the broader global landscape, which helps explain why certain films matter beyond the local market.

Their “Australian Film of the Week” segment has introduced me to several titles I would have otherwise missed. Good discovery mechanism.

3. FilmInk Audio

The audio companion to FilmInk magazine, which has been one of Australia’s most consistent film publications. The podcast features interviews with filmmakers, critics’ roundtables, and deep dives into specific topics within Australian and international cinema.

The interview episodes are the standout. The hosts have been in the industry long enough to ask questions that go beyond the promotional script, and the filmmakers clearly feel comfortable being candid in a way they might not be in print interviews.

Production quality is high, and episodes drop regularly. Worth listening to for the industry gossip alone, frankly.

4. Final Draft

Focused specifically on screenwriting and script development, Final Draft is invaluable for Australian writers. The podcast features conversations with screenwriters about their creative process, their development journey, and the practical realities of writing for the Australian market.

What I find most useful is the honesty about the development process. Screenwriters talk about rejected drafts, difficult notes sessions, and the years-long journey from first idea to finished script. It’s a good counterweight to the romanticised version of screenwriting that most media presents.

Not exclusively Australian, but the Australian episodes are particularly strong because the local screenwriting landscape is specific enough that general advice from Hollywood doesn’t always apply.

5. Plato’s Cave

A Melbourne-based film discussion podcast that’s been running for years and has built a loyal audience through consistent quality and genuine passion for cinema. The hosts have excellent taste and aren’t afraid to disagree with each other, which makes for good listening.

Australian films feature regularly in their discussions, and they’re particularly good at placing local films in context with international cinema. If you want to understand where an Australian film sits within a broader artistic or genre tradition, Plato’s Cave will give you that perspective.

Episodes can run long (90+ minutes sometimes), so they’re best suited for longer commutes or weekend listening.

Why Podcasts Matter for Australian Film

The shift of film criticism and analysis to podcasts isn’t inherently good or bad. But it is significant. Podcasts reach audiences that traditional print and online film criticism doesn’t, particularly younger audiences who are more likely to discover Australian films through audio recommendations than through newspaper reviews.

For the Australian film industry, podcasts represent an important channel for building awareness and audience. A positive podcast discussion can drive more ticket sales than a traditional review, particularly when the hosts have built genuine trust with their listeners.

If you’re a filmmaker, engage with these podcasts. Pitch yourself for interviews when your film is in release. The audiences are there, and they’re exactly the people who will go see your film.