The Northern Territory’s (NT) film industry is experiencing a renaissance, propelled by recent successes at the AACTA Awards and a growing global audience for locally produced content. Films like Kangaroo and Top Complete Bub are not only garnering critical acclaim but also delivering a significant economic boost to the region, building on the legacy established by iconic films like Crocodile Dundee decades ago.
A recent wave of territory films is making its mark globally, reaching audiences from Berlin to India, Spain and Türkiye. This surge in popularity is a testament to the unique stories and landscapes the NT offers, and the increasing capabilities of local filmmakers. The industry’s growth is being carefully cultivated by Screen Territory, the NT’s screen agency, which is focused on attracting investment and fostering local talent.
Kangaroo, shot in Alice Springs, was the highest-grossing Australian film at the national box office in 2025, according to Screen Territory director Jennie Hughes. The film’s success extends internationally, achieving the highest grossing Australian film status in Germany in 25 years and opening at number 12 in the UK last week. Hughes emphasized the importance of telling NT stories to a global audience, stating, “It’s a very exciting time for us.”
NT Films Dominate at the AACTA Awards
The industry’s achievements were formally recognized at last Saturday’s AACTA Awards, where Kangaroo, Top End Bub, and the 2025 Arnhem Land documentary, Journey Home, all took home awards. Journey Home, a poignant appear at the traditional funeral of the late Aboriginal actor David Gulpilil, received two awards, highlighting its cultural significance and artistic merit.
Journey Home charts the traditional funeral of the late Aboriginal actor David Gulpilil, who was among the key figures to blaze a trail for the NT’s film industry in its early days. The documentary’s associate producer, Cathy Gallagher, noted the enduring hallmarks of NT filmmaking, observing, “I see the same landscapes, and I see the same hilarious, outrageous culture…the really unique cultural touchpoints that can only happen in the territory.”
A New Era for Blak Filmmakers
Libby Collins, co-producer of Top End Bub and a Tiwi woman, described the current moment as an “incredible leap” for Blak filmmakers and creatives in the NT. She acknowledged the foundational role of Crocodile Dundee, stating, “Crocodile Dundee was a great foundation and a platform—it’s iconic,” but emphasized the importance of Indigenous storytellers now having the opportunity to create their own narratives, both in front of and behind the camera.
The NT government is actively working to capitalize on the tourism potential of films like Kangaroo, which is based on the story of local identity Chris “Brolga” Barns and set in the Red Centre. Hughes explained, “We’ve got great stories, where it kind of intersects with tourism, that’s what we try and work with as well.” She added that the Northern Territory is currently leading the nation in screen tourism.
Screen Territory’s investments of $2.02 million in Kangaroo, Top End Bub, and Journey Home have generated more than $9.5 million for the NT economy, benefiting Central Australia, Darwin, and the Tiwi Islands.
The success of these films demonstrates the economic and cultural value of investing in the NT’s screen industry. As more stories are told and more talent is nurtured, the Northern Territory is poised to become an even more prominent force in Australian and international cinema.
What comes next for the NT film industry? With Warwick Thornton’s Wolfram set to debut at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival this week, and continued investment from Screen Territory, the momentum is building for even greater achievements in the years to come. Share your thoughts on the NT’s film success story in the comments below!
