We acknowledge Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and give respect to their Elders, past and present.
Looking for the full catalogue? Search the Catalogue
Confession time: crime terrifies us, but when it’s entertainment, we can’t get enough. We follow journos reanimating cold cases, chase theories down Reddit rabbit holes and watch dramatic universes inspired by real-life events.
Now, the NFSA casts a magnifying glass over true crime and mysteries – the films, documentaries, news stories and podcasts that feed our collective fascination.
Award-winning journalists Rachael Brown and Hedley Thomas delve into true crime podcasting. And the NFSA Player’s True Crime & Mysteries collection is available on demand.
Warning: This page contains graphic content and descriptions that may be distressing or upsetting to some audiences.
A look at infamous crimes and how media reporting shaped public fears and collective memory.
Rachael Brown’s work uncovering buried information in the Maria James murder began long before she recorded her first podcast episode of Trace. While the crime remains unsolved, the injection of fresh information has led to some major wins, most notably a million-dollar push for information.
‘Often in true crime, we meet people during the darkest days of their lives and ask them to tell us their story.’
— Rachael Brown, journalist
Rachael Brown’s work uncovering buried information in the Maria James murder began long before she recorded her first podcast episode of Trace. While the crime remains unsolved, the injection of fresh information has led to some major wins, most notably a million-dollar push for information.
Hedley Thomas has to be satisfied that a cold case has potential to be solved before he’ll take on what will ultimately be a months-long investigation. But another crucial element is feeling a connection to the victim’s story.
‘I'm doing the podcasts to try to get a result that's been denied the families of the victims and others for a very long time.’
— Hedley Thomas, Journalist
Hedley Thomas has to be satisfied that a cold case has potential to be solved before he’ll take on what will ultimately be a months-long investigation. But another crucial element is feeling a connection to the victim’s story.
Three curious unsolved mysteries now available to stream on demand on NFSA Player.
Six dramatised stories exploring some of Australia’s most high-profile crimes, criminals and police investigations, offering gripping narratives and compelling performances.
Four of the more bizarre Australian crime stories from the NFSA collection.
The ‘Pyjama Girl’ case of the 1930s and '40s and the 1960 kidnapping and murder of Graeme Thorne offer insights into the evolving science of forensic investigation.
Enjoy surprising and moving moments from Australia’s screen and sound history with In Focus – delivered straight to your inbox every month.
One of the most shocking and violent attacks on Victorian police was the orchestrated murder of two young constables in the early hours of 12 October 1988. Read about the Walsh Street police shootings.
Ronald Ryan was the last man hanged in Australia, on 3 February 1967. What were the events leading from Ryan's escape from prison through to the day of his execution? Find out more about Ronald Ryan.
Prime Minister Harold Holt entered the surf at Cheviot Beach, Victoria on the afternoon of 17 December 1967 and was never seen again. Read about the many theories, allegations and rumours surrounding his disappearance.
In this collection of Australian unsolved crimes and mysteries you'll discover bizarre, sinister and heartbreaking stories from Australia's criminal past – and the lasting effects on those left behind. View the Australian True Crime Mysteries curated collection.
These clips reflect the reporting of mysteries across eras and how cold cases are often reinvestigated through fresh eyes many years, or even decades later.
Personalized your experience
Save, create and share
With NFSA Your Stuff
