The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 755 - 565: Sydney Film Festival

Due to Arthur’s strategy of low-key development, Australasia kept a low profile in the first month of 1922, and even the National Day activities did not have much news coverage.

However, this is normal, as a plain National Day in an uneventful year does not require any military parades.

For Arthur, the most important task right now is to complete the construction of the three R108 battleships as soon as possible, and establish Australasia’s possession of super battleships as a fact before the signing of the naval limitation treaty.

What is the best way to develop, after all?

Put simply, development requires a relatively stable environment. How to create such a stable environment? The best way is to destabilize one’s opponents.

Instead of waiting for opportunities, it’s better to create your own.

Given the current situation, the British are definitely supportive of Australasia’s development because they need a country to confront the United States in the Pacific, especially under the premise of an alliance between the US and the island nation.

France has already sold its Pacific islands to Australasia and is currently focusing on its mainland and Africa, so naturally, it won’t meddle in other affairs.

That leaves Australasia’s only two competitors as the northern island nation and the eastern United States.

This is also the reason the Philippine War cannot end—because the United States needs something to attract its attention, and the Philippines is currently the best choice.

If they distract the Americans, the island nation will not pose a threat to Australasia.

If the island nation’s proud navy cannot breach Australasia’s defense lines, their army will also not pose any threat to Australasia.

Moreover, Australasia’s current position is not something the island nation can challenge alone.

The close relationship between Australasia and the United Kingdom far outweighs the loose alliance between the United States and the island nation established on the basis of mutual interest.

Especially after Arthur stepped forward to support the United Kingdom, the British Royal Family and the British people are grateful to Arthur, and naturally, they will return the favor.

Even if they have some borrowed power, as long as current Australasia does not provoke any country, it naturally has no reason to fear the covetousness of any country.

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The first step of development is naturally to promote economic development.

Australasia’s economic scale is still far behind that of top-tier powers, yet there are many ways to promote economic development.

One important and meaningful method is to develop entertainment, including movies and broadcasts.

Australasia’s current film industry needs no further explanation—saying it’s a hundred flowers in full bloom would not be an exaggeration.

Aside from the official three major film factories, a variety of private film factories of all sizes add richness and complexity to Australasia’s film industry.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Propaganda, a total of 165 films were shot in Australasia in 1921, 145 of which passed the review.

These films will be shown during National Day and various holidays, with most adopting a chargeable format, except for official movies.

This is understandable, after all, film factories need to make money, and if they only shoot free movies, there would be no need for them to exist.

Even without considering profits, at least the costs need to be recovered, and the expenses of film production equipment and labor are not small.

Moreover, the annual output of over 100 films also proves a fact—that Australasia’s film industry is quite advanced.

This also raises the question of how to promote these films more effectively.

After much thought, Arthur came up with various film festivals that are very famous in later generations. Not only can this rank the films and increase their commercial appeal, it can also increase the fame of the actors and directors, ensuring that the public will eagerly anticipate their next films.

Of course, control over films is still necessary. Actors can earn decent income, but the income must not be too high, as working in the film industry is a relatively easy job.

Australasia can have many high-income jobs, but the top-tier ones should definitely contribute substantially to the country, like soldiers, researchers, etc.

Although entertainment is an essential part of life, compared to excessive indulgence, Arthur would rather Australasia be strict in controlling leisure time and occasionally relaxing without overemphasizing it.

February 1922, Sydney.

"Hey, James, have you heard about the Sydney Film Festival this time?"

"Oh my god, how could I not? They say they’ll take all previously shot films to compete for awards, which involves hundreds of films. Sounds really exciting to think about."

"Wasn’t last night exciting?" James’ girlfriend suddenly asked.

"Hehe, they were both exciting, both exciting," James replied with an awkward smile.

"Damn it, you two, can you stop showing off your love in front of me?" Said Larry, who started the conversation looking as if he had eaten a pile of shit.

Knowing that showing off affection could lead to a swift death, James and his girlfriend stopped messing around and quietly began looking forward to the film festival.

Everything has a first time, and the first time is always the most anticipated.

Although it may be the same thing, it’s like the first bite of delicious food; the unknown is definitely the most exciting.

Sitting quietly in their seats, the three began to look forward to the first film festival in Australasian history, and even the first in world history.

Thinking about breaking global records, James couldn’t help but compare the experience with his girlfriend, suddenly realizing both were quite thrilling.

From the birth of sound films to now, Australasian-produced films may not number in the thousands but at least a few hundred have been made.

As this was the first film festival, all previously unawarded films would be judged, which meant that hundreds of films would be competing for a limited number of awards, a fierce competition that made James’s girlfriend unconsciously clench her legs.

Although piracy of films is still quite prevalent, watching movies is an important recreational activity for people due to the scarcity of other entertainment options.

Thanks to the frequent free films produced by the government, going to the movies is not a luxury for the people of Australasia, which makes them global leaders in this respect.

Many famous lines from movies, such as "What’s the meaning of life if you’re not willing to fight for your country?" from patriotic films, have become the catchphrases of many Australasian youths and the goal they strive for in their lives.

Struggling for the country has become the slogan of many factories. Leaving all else aside, it really raises workers’ spirits.

While promoting patriotic thought and improving workers’ efficiency, those capitalists can laugh in their beds at the profits.

Although current films cannot achieve international influence like those in the future, at least their brand recognition is established.

Australasian films have a decent reputation in Europe and the United States, and occasional advertisements for tourist attractions have been proven successful by the number of tourists.

This has made many European and American countries envious. The importance of films in promoting culture naturally goes without saying, and can even subtly influence some people’s thoughts.

This is no joke, especially for young people who have limited exposure to the outside world and are easily influenced by certain information.

For example, if Australasia portrays a certain country as evil in its films, that country will be considered evil by these young people.

Even if they later come into contact with the real information, they will seek comfort in their hearts and then desperately search for any reason to refute the truth.

This is the deception of human nature, and it is easily influenced by these aspects, which is why cultural propaganda, including entertainment, is so important.

Great powers fear nothing more than domestic protests and demonstrations.

Because there are many opposition parties within their country and the government is not so stable.

Once faced with a large number of protests and demonstrations, not only is the government at risk of impeachment, but even opposition parties will seize the opportunity to attack the government.

Especially some capitalist-controlled newspapers and media outlets, which would do anything for more news traffic.

If there is really a business opportunity, they would even expose scandals about the President of America.

Of course, scandals are not everything. Some newspapers even expose various news about the country, much of which is meant to remain hidden.

To maintain national stability, control of public opinion must be in the hands of the government and Arthur.

Because public opinion can not only influence the people, but also have a significant impact on the stability of the government and the country.

Why was Ireland able to achieve independence from the powerful British Empire with just over ten thousand troops in its history?

Aside from the fact that what Britain did in Ireland was indeed abhorrent, Irish public relations campaigns worldwide also gained sympathy from many countries and people.

This is a classic victory of public opinion. In comparison to the more costly and risky military approaches, victory in diplomacy and public opinion is the ultimate victory.

No matter how the war goes, in the end, diplomacy is still needed to achieve victory.

Compared to war, if disputes can be resolved in a more peaceful way, it’s worth it for any country.

Actually, the biggest reason European and American films haven’t taken off is that movie profits are indeed low at the moment.

If it weren’t for the free patriotic movies made by Australasia that pushed the development of its film industry, it probably wouldn’t have progressed smoothly either.

Capitalists can withstand low returns but if they have to face the risk of loss, the business becomes questionable.

Filmmaking is like this, if it isn’t done well, it can truly lead to a total loss.