NT Film Industry Thrives: Global Recognition and Economic Boost Four Decades Post-'Crocodile Dundee'
The Northern Territory (NT) film industry is experiencing a period of significant growth and global recognition, four decades after the success of "Crocodile Dundee" in 1986. "Crocodile Dundee" established the NT's presence in the film sector.
A new generation of films from the NT is now gaining international attention and achieving economic success. Recent productions like "Kangaroo" and "Top End Bub" are contributing positively to the NT economy.
International Acclaim and Box Office Success
Screen Territory Director Jennie Hughes noted that the Alice Springs-shot film "Kangaroo" was the highest-grossing Australian film at the national box office in 2025. Internationally, "Kangaroo" became the highest-grossing Australian film in Germany in 25 years and opened at number 12 in the UK, indicating an expansion of NT stories reaching a global audience.
Director Warwick Thornton is also set to debut his new film "Wolfram" at the Berlin International Film Festival. The NT industry further celebrated success at the AACTA Awards, receiving multiple accolades for "Kangaroo," "Top End Bub," and the 2025 Arnhem Land documentary "Journey Home."
Preserving Heritage and Empowering Indigenous Voices
"Journey Home" documents the traditional funeral of the late Aboriginal actor David Gulpilil, a pioneer in the NT film industry. Associate producer Cathy Gallagher observed that while the industry has evolved, its core elements like unique landscapes and cultural humor persist.
Libby Collins, co-producer of "Top End Bub" and a Tiwi woman, highlighted the significant advancements for Indigenous filmmakers.
"We've made a significant leap from the 'Crocodile Dundee' era," Collins stated, emphasizing the ability for Indigenous creatives to tell their own stories from both in front of and behind the camera.
Driving Tourism and Economic Return
The NT government is actively leveraging these film successes for tourism. Ms. Hughes confirmed that the Northern Territory leads the nation in screen tourism, creating vital intersections between storytelling and visitor attractions.
Screen Territory's investments of $2.02 million into "Kangaroo," "Top End Bub," and "Journey Home" have generated over $9.5 million for the NT economy across Central Australia, Darwin, and the Tiwi Islands.