Films made by indigenous people have been presented to the French Government to mark the bicentenary of Nicolas Baudin's exploration of Australia.

He led a French expedition to survey the coastline of Australia, then known as New Holland, between 1800 and 1803.

The 16 films have been presented by the Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer and deal with issues ranging from the role of traditional law and identity, to race relations and the survival of indigenous people in cities.

One of the film makers Sally Riley says the films will be on permanent show in institutions in Paris.

"I think what's really interesting is that in response to explorers visiting Australia 200 years ago, we are sending a gift of indigenous films," she said.

"I think [this] shows a great maturity on the film makers part, for allowing the films go, and also on the Government for selecting this selection of films, because they're very contemporary, they're about contemporary indigenous life."