Andrew Pike

Andrew Pike is the co-author with Ross Cooper of the book, Australian Film, 1900 - 1977 (Oxford University Press). In 1974, he formed Ronin Films with his wife, Dr Merrilyn Fitzpatrick, a specialist in China studies. The company was involved in many innovative distribution and marketing activities for which Andrew won the Australian Film Institute's Byron Kennedy Award in 1986. In addition to distributing films from many countries, Ronin developed a special interest in films from China and Japan, importing many key film from the Chinese "Fifth Generation" directors in the 1980s, and organizing visits to Australia by many Chinese directors including Chen Kaige, Wu Tianming, Zhang Zeming, Huang Jianxin and Tian Zhuangzhuang, The company has also dedicated much of its work to the marketing and promotion of Australian productions. Among the many Australian feature films which the company has supported and distributed are Strictly Ballroom, Shine and Road To Nhill, all of which achieved outstanding domestic box-office figures. Ronin's catalogue of independent Australian documentaries runs to several hundreds and includes several that Ronin has released theatrically such as Cunnamulla, Facing The Music, My Mother India and Wedding In Ramallah. As an exhibitor, Ronin has operated the successful Electric Shadows Cinemas in Canberra since 1979. Over the years, Electric Shadows has become a cultural icon in Canberra. In 2003, the French government appointed him to the rank of Chevalier dans L'Ordre des Arts et Lettres for his work in the distribution and exhibition of French cinema in Australia. He was a member of the Board of the Australian Film Commission for three years, 1989 - 1992. In 1992, he was given a special award by the Australian Film Critics' Circle for his contributions to the film industry. In 1999, Andrew was involved in the formation of the Friends of the National Film and Sound Archive, Inc., an association dedicated to support the Archive's work and to promote the principles of best practice in the film archive profession. From 2000 to 2003, Andrew served on the Council of the National Screen and Sound Archive.