IMDb 0 1999 HD

Federation

Federation

1999
Documentary
173 min NR Australia
0 IMDB

An epic tale about the making of Australia. This tells the stories of the founding fathers and of the people in six separate colonies in the decades leading…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Ian Munro
Starring
Deborah Kennedy / Leo McKern / Peter O'Brien / William Zappa / Richard Piper / Shane McNamara / Max Cullen / Kirk Alexander

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

epic historical political debate struggle nation-building democracy colonial founding fathers performances informative ambitious

Reviews

C
Clara Jenkins
May 12, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Exploring the intricate process of Australian Federation, this film offers a detailed look at the individuals and debates that shaped the continent. The cast delivers solid performances, effectively conveying the gravity of the period, with Deborah Kennedy and…

S
Samuel Croft
May 12, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This is a sweeping, powerful saga that brings the monumental task of Australian Federation vividly to life. The film masterfully balances the high-stakes political negotiations with the personal journeys of those involved, creating a compelling tapestry of nationhood.…

I
Isabelle Dubois
May 12, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

While 'Federation' tackles a significant moment in Australian history, its execution proves somewhat wanting. The narrative scope is vast, seeking to encompass the stories of six colonies and their leaders, but this breadth often leads to a lack…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 12, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A commendable effort to capture the seismic shifts leading to Australian Federation. The film excels in its portrayal of the fervent debates and the clashing ideologies that underpinned the movement. The ensemble cast, including strong turns from Deborah…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 12, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This ambitious depiction of Australia's path to Federation offers a grand sweep of history. The film attempts to weave together the narratives of disparate colonies and the key figures who shaped the nation's destiny. Performances, particularly from veterans…

FAQs

'Federation' positions the creation of Australian democracy as a central and hard-won achievement. Beyond simply detailing the political unification of the colonies, the film emphasizes the struggle to establish democratic principles and institutions. It presents this aspect as integral to the nation-building process, suggesting that the debates and efforts of the era were as much about creating a functioning democracy as they were about forming a single country.