It’s a film fest, mate

Over the last 25 years, the Australian film industry has given rise to such actors as Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts and directors Peter Weir, Philip Noyce and Baz Luhrmann. The Jurlique Australian Film Festival, presented by the American Film Institute at ArcLight today through Monday, looks at recent films from down under, plus old favorites.

“Dirty Deeds” (2002). Bryan Brown stars in David Caesar’s drama about a Sydney entrepreneur trying to keep the mob out of his gambling business in 1969. With Toni Collette, John Goodman and Sam Neill. Opening night gala by invitation only, today, 7:30 p.m.; public screening, Saturday, 2 p.m.

“Beneath Clouds” (2002). Two rural teenagers, one a fair-skinned girl who rejects her Aborigine family, the other a dark-skinned boy angry at the white world, hitchhike to Sydney. Written and directed by Ivan Sen. Friday, 7 p.m.

“Undead” (2003). A meteorite shower turns the residents of a quaint town into flesh-eating zombies in Peter Spierig’s gore and laugh fest. Friday, 9:30 p.m.

“Black and White” (2002). Robert Carlyle stars in this drama based on the Max Stuart trial, in which an Aborigine man was framed by police. Directed by Craig Lahiff. Saturday, 5 p.m.

“Muriel’s Wedding” (1994). This romantic comedy launched the careers of writer-director P.J. Hogan and actors Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths. Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

“Walking on Water” (2002). Roger Monk’s award-winning ensemble drama. Sunday, 2 p.m.

“A Girl, a Horse, a Dream” (2003). Rachel Landers’ documentary on jockey Bernadette Cooper. Sunday, 5 p.m.

“The Castle” (1997). A family’s comic attempt to keep its beloved home. Directed by Rob Sitch. Sunday, 7:30 p.m.

“Mad Max” (1979). Monday, 7:30 p.m.

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Jurlique Australian Film Festival

Where: ArcLight Cinemas, 6360 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood

When: Today through Monday

Cost: $11

Info: (323) 464-4226 or www.Australia-week.com

-- Kevin Crust