Interviews from the Australian film theory and criticism project: data

This dataset contains interviews with selected film writers undertaken by Constantine Verevis and Deane Williams (Monash University) and Noel King (Macquarie University) during an ARC Discovery Project, Australian Film Theory and Criticism, 2007-2010. The research project focused on the development of film studies in Australia, especially in the period 1975–85. There were more than twenty interviews ranging from one to two hours. Interviewers sought to discover what was specific about Australian film criticism, and how film studies had developed through this period. Interviewees were key figures in the evolution of Australian film theory and criticism and provided curriculum vitae, teaching notes, unit guides and teaching plans which help to document the development of film studies as an academic discipline. Interview questions also covered how Australian institutions, personnel, practice, methods and key critical developments related to international currents and provide an interesting synthesis local ideas and overseas ideas. Most of the interviews have been published in journals, for example Screening the Past, Television and New Media and as a series in Metro: media & education, "Through the Lens: Interviews from the Australian Film Theory and Criticism Project". Researchers have collected additional documentation from a range of journals: articles which highlight key critical positions that have shaped film studies in Australia from specified journals published during 1975-85 as well as documents relating to funding, archival practices, conferences, advertisements and announcement of professional bodies. Analysis of the film criticisms, further interviews and key documents will be published in three books to be published by Intellect (UK): Australian Film Theory and Criticism Vol 1: Critical Positions, authored by N. King, C. Verevis and D. Williams; Australian; Film Theory and Criticism Vol 2: Interviews, edited by N. King and D.Williams; Australian; Film Theory and Criticism Vol 3: Documents, edited by C. Verevis and D. Williams.