Success Of New Eric Bana Film Proves 'Interest In Local Content Is Stronger Than Ever Before'

New Australian film The Dry has continued its success at the local box office, raking in over $10 million since its release three weeks ago. 

The Eric Bana-led mystery drama - based on the popular 2016 novel by Jane Harper - had the fifth highest opening day for a local film at the Aussie box office upon its 1 January release, joining a prestigious list that includes 2006 animation Happy Feet and 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road. 

The Dry has hit #1 at the Australian box office for a second week running, toppling Wonder Woman 1984 and The Croods: A New Age.

“The success of The Dry shows that the interest in local content is stronger than ever before," Federal Communications and Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said.

"We look forward to supporting more local screen jobs and celebrating Australian stories during the recovery from COVID-19 and beyond.”

The box office result comes after Bana and The Dry director Robert Connolly called for more support for the Australian film industry during an appearance on The Green Room with Neil Griffiths podcast.

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"There were some big productions that were up and running in Australia at the time and some of our crew had been offered very big long running contracts with some of these productions who chose to say no and to come and work on our film for a much shorter period of time in the middle of nowhere," Bana told host Neil Griffiths.

"That was really heartening to us and it was a real show that people are making life decisions with regards to their work as well.

"There is a balance to be struck here. Films like The Dry need to be able to get a crew of this standard. We can't just have every great cinematographer and every great production manager and art director on a massive film that's then not available to a film like this."

Listen to the full episode The Green Room episode with Bana and Connolly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts (below) or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.