You are likely to need permission unless:

• copyright has expired, or

• a special exception applies.

One special exception, under Australian law, allows the inclusion of an artistic work in a film if it is “incidental".

Note there are differences in the copyright laws of other countries which can mean that a clearance is needed for another country even if it is not needed for Australia.

Note also your obligations regarding the moral rights of artists whose work you include in your film.