New exhibition goes behind the lens of global warfare

Image: supplied by the Australian War Memorial.

Since the First World War, Australians have been filmed in every conflict zone they have found themselves in – usually with fellow Australians behind the camera. 

From this weekend, locals will be able to discover familiar and at times iconic journalism footage projected in our cinemas, screened on our televisions and uploaded online across Australia through Action! Film and War the exhibition—on display at the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk.  

On tour from the Australian War Memorial, the exhibition will see visitors explore stories of Australians armed with cameras who have shared their experiences in recording history while bearing witness to conflict – either as a professional duty or for their personal record. 

The experiences of the men and women behind the lens – as shown through the equipment they used, the records they kept and the stories they tell – reveal determination, resilience, ingenuity and courage in the face of danger. 

These are stories that illuminate the action, revealing what lies beyond the screen. 

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the exhibition was an interesting and eye-opening look behind the lens of journalism in war-torn regions.  

“You often see footage on the news about what’s happening across the globe in war-torn regions and this exhibition is a stark reminder of the length some journalists go to share this news with audiences across the world,” Mayor Garwood said.  

This exhibition takes you through many accounts of those working in conflict zones across the globe and the impact film has in sharing these stories with the world.” 

General Manager Creative Arts and Cultural Services Shane Fitzgerald said the exhibition offers an incredible insight into the history of war and journalism through stories, objects, photography and film.  

“This exhibition offers incredible insight as to what it takes for such footage to reach our screens across the globe,” Fitzgerald said.  

“The blend of objects and written stories through to film and photography within this exhibition offer an in-depth exploration of film journalism during war. I encourage locals to make the most of this free exhibition while on display at the Museum at Inveresk.”

Australian War Memorial exhibition curator Daniel Eisenberg said it is a delight to be bringing Action! Film and War – the largest touring exhibition the Australian War Memorial has ever produced – to Tasmanian shores. 

“Many of our most iconic war cinematographers– including Damien Parer, David Brill and of course Neil Davis – have roots here in Tasmania and to have their stories, their experiences, their objects on display here is a real privilege,” Eisenberg said.