In this episode, Steve and Kirsten Stevens discuss the early days of the Melbourne Film Festival, reflecting on its formative aims and challenges. They also consider the rise of virtual film festivals and unpack the industrial, cultural and organisational logics involved in running a contemporary film festival. Kirsten also names her favourite all time film festival!

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Steve speaks with Melbourne film director and exhibitor Gus Berger about the logistics of literally building a cinema from the ground up. They unpack film curation versus programming, cultivating community beyond audiences, and discuss Gus’s superb documentary, Lost City of Melbourne.

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In this episode, Steve talks with archivist and film historian Graham Shirley about his path from teenage film enthusiast to a leading figure in Australian film preservation and history. Graham reflects on his early research, studying at AFTRS, his work at the ABC, and major restoration and oral history projects at the National Film and Sound Archive, offering rich insights into Australia’s screen heritage.

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Cerise Howard—film critic, curator, and long-time champion of Australian screen culture—reflects on her path through festivals, programming, and advocacy for diverse cinematic voices. With Steve, she discusses her curatorial philosophy, the importance of community, and the enduring significance of the Melbourne Cinémathèque.

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Director and producer Maggie Miles talks to Steve Gaunson about her impressive filmography that includes producing films with Paul Cox and Robert Connolly, working with Jack Thompson and her recent shift into documentary direction including the 2025 release Journey Home, David Gulpilil.

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Bill Mousoulis is an unsung legend of Australian independent cinema on many levels. Though many know him as an Greek-Australian independent filmmaker he is also the co-founder of several Australian film cultural institutions such as the Melbourne Super 8 Film Group (1985) and the online journal Senses of Cinema (1999). In this chat Bill also tells Steve why film co-ops remain crucial in building film collectives and why filmmakers are becoming too precious in holding their films back from public view.  

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Steve Gaunson never had the opportunity to meet Alan Hopgood, the writer of Alvin Purple. However, with the donation of several of Alan's files to the Australian Screen Research Collection, it seemed an ideal opportunity to invite his daughter, renowned film academic Fincina Hopgood, for a discussion. She will share insights she gained about her father from reviewing his archives and how this process helped her navigate her grief after his passing.

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Tim Chappel began his career with hand-painted costumes at Sydney's Paddington Markets. He quickly advanced to become a renowned costume designer, winning an Academy Award, BAFTA, and AFI Award. In this high-energy chat, Tim shares his experiences working between Australia and Hollywood, along with fascinating stories, including his friendship with Madonna. 

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Deb Verhoeven has long been a leading advocate for Australian film heritage. In this episode, she discusses her pivotal role in transferring the AFI Research Collection to RMIT University. Additionally, Steve and Deb explore her ongoing efforts to build and unlock archives for public access. 

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Antony Ginnane has been a prominent and influential figure in the Australian film industry since the 1970s. Steve and Tony discuss the establishment of a small distribution company, Studio Films, which imported international films. This venture marked the beginning of Tony's long and successful career as a leading film producer in Australia. He reflects on significant industry changes and his experiences working with renowned directors such as Richard Franklin, Brian Trenchard-Smith, Simon Wincer, and Gillian Armstrong. 

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