Why did you decide to take on the role of official ambassador for the Australian film industry?

I think it's incredibly important to focus on which films come out of Australia. With Fox studios now open in Australia we've had a lot of international attention on the bigger films being made there, but it's important for the smaller films and first time directors to get the opportunity to work with bigger budgets, and that their work is shown on an international scale. Being Australian and working in the film industry I naturally have a great interest in what comes out of my country.

Are you encouraged by the films shown here at the festival?

Absolutely. I think this year has a real diverse selection of films, with indigenous, and aboriginal films, as well as white Australian ones. It also includes films that have been around for a couple of years that didn't get a wide release so it's great that The Barbican is doing this and giving a broader scope for those films.

What is your favourite film being shown here at the festival?

I loved Elise McCredie's first feature "Strange Fits of Passion", "The Dish" was very heart-warming and I found "Chopper" very disturbing. Eric Bana's performance was extraordinary.

What do you think that an event like this in London can achieve?

I definitely think that when things happen overseas people in Australia take notice. It's like when you move away from home and become successful your parents want you back home again. When a film is a hit abroad people suddenly respect it all the more. I think that smaller independent films which haven't got much financial funding need exposure and a festival like this can really help that.

The London Australian Film Festival runs from 6th April - 12th April 2001. For more information please contact The Barbican.

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