It is important to look at Indigenous participation in the industry and to create a necessary distinction between films with aboriginal content and themes and Indigenous filmmaking whereby the films employ aboriginal Australians in key creative roles.
The Black List: Film and TV projects since 1970 with Indigenous Australians in key creative roles
The Black List is a comprehensive reference book by Screen Australia published in 2010 that documents the figures and trends around Indigenous Film makers.
The study paints a picture of ongoing and steady growth in Indigenous filmmaking – from a very low base. (Screen Australia, 2010)
In total, 25 features have been made since 1970 with an Indigenous Australian as director, producer, writer or DOP. Eighteen of these films were produced since 2000, compared to five in the 90s, two in the 80s, and none at all in the 70s. (Screen Australia, 2010)
