Japanese Story was the big success story at this year's Australian Film Institute awards. The film about an Australian geologist and a Japanese businessman meeting in the Australian desert won best film, director, script, music, cinematography, sound, editing and best actress for Toni Collette.
Japanese Story has now won three major Australian prizes. Its gongs at the 45th AFI awards join its achievements at the IF Awards and the film critics circle of Australia awards.
Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush was another honouree, being given the global achievement award, while the best foreign film gong went to Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, a New Zealand production. David Wenham won best actor for Gettin Square.
However, there was some controversy at the ceremony, with around half of the winners criticising the Australian government for proposals to cut cultural subsidies as part of a free trade agreement with the US.
"I beg you, Mr Howard," said Collette, referring to the Australian prime minister, "to see straight and not jeopardise our cultural future."
