Independent distributor for Australia and New Zealand, Umbrella Entertainment, is set to launch Brollie, an Advertising on Demand platform, on Thursday 23 November 2023. Positioned as Australia’s first free streaming service dedicated exclusively to Australian film and TV content, Brollie provides access to Umbrella Entertainment’s extensive catalog.
With an initial offering of over 300 titles, Brollie features films from Australian independent cinema like Babadook (dir. Jennifer Kent, 2014) and Two Hands (dir. Gregor Jordan, 1999), alongside cult classics like Sweat (creator John Rapsey, 1996) and Erskineville Kings (dir. Alan White, 1999) starring Hugh Jackman.
The platform also includes a dedicated section for Indigenous Australia, featuring films starring Aboriginal screen actor David Gulpilil, such as Walkabout (dir. Nicolas Roeg, 1971) and Storm Boy (dir. Henri Safran, 1976).
Brollie subscribers can join the Brollie Film Club, where the in-house team curates their best of the catalogue twice a month. Thematic collections include Australian Nightmares exploring the Aussie horror genre and All Out Ozploitation showcasing genre films from the 70s and 80s. Exclusive special features, typically limited to DVD extras, offer rare glimpses behind-the-scenes featuring Australian screen celebrities like Jackman, the late Heath Ledger, Nicole Kidman and Kylie Minogue.
Ari Harrison, general manager and head of sales and acquisitions a at Umbrella Entertainment noted, “The Brollie catalogue is full of Australian cult classics, many of which aren’t available on other streaming platforms.
“We know these iconic films and TV shows can find new and old audiences instead of gathering dust on the shelf. Brollie is about helping Aussies to access this world-class storytelling easily and, most importantly, for free so everyone can enjoy our epic screen legacy.”
Accompanying the launch is a podcast, Sunburnt Screens: The Australian Cinema Odyssey, hosted by Alexei Toliopoulos. The podcast will feature conversations with renowned Australian filmmakers such as Rolf de Heer, Gillian Armstrong, The Spierig Brothers, and Natalie Erika James.