There isn't a more pervasive prism for reflecting and shaping Australia's national identity than screen content. Its ability to tell our stories through image and sound, infused with cultural nuances, has a powerful impact on how Australians see themselves, how they see others and how others see Australians.

Feature films lead this charge. They start with a buzz amplified by the big screen before traversing every small screen possible and remaining accessible in different ways, in many corners of the world, for many years after release. When our very vernacular changes we know they make a difference.

This report explores five indicators of success and longer-term impact, based on analysis of a selection of films from 15–20 years ago.

The case studies included in the report were selected from almost 100 Australian films released domestically between 1993 and 1997. Of these, around two-thirds of the films went on to have an international release across more than 70 countries with a box office well in excess of $500 million.