Abstract:
In my readings of two Australian films Kenny (dir. Clayton Jacobson, 2006) and Look Both Ways (dir. Sarah Watt, 2005) I seek to understand why Australian post-settler identities continue to be problematic, fragmented, insecure; and more importantly, why many hesitate to move away from ideologies and practices that perpetuate colonialist-style outcomes. At the same time, I show that the focus of concern in my case studies and in their contexts of production is on issues of Australian-ness rather than dealing with the older cultural cringe arising from Australia’s marginal position in relation to Britain and America. I conclude that the maturity and confidence of the contexts of production and treatment of form and content in my case studies not only shows the struggle but also suggests a growing acceptance of the past and foreshadows possible steps forward.