CinefestOZ today revealed its 2016 program and continues its proud tradition of showcasing the best of Australian film.

CinefestOZ is an immersive film and destination experience where audiences are invited to explore a diverse program of quality film from Wednesday August 24 to Sunday August 28. Over 68 venues and spaces will welcomingly open their doors to audiences and VIP guests alike, offering something for everyone with over 110 film and event options.

Festival CEO Malinda Nixon said that CinefestOZ is a unique celebration that has well and truly cemented itself equally into the hearts and minds of cinephiles and those seeking a unique cultural experience alike.

“This year’s program is of an exceptionally high quality,” Ms Nixon said. “It’s a delight every year to hear the audience’s stories about the films they are discovering and sharing those discoveries with their friends. Exploring the program and the stunning South West region simultaneously ensures Festival-goers have a uniquely self-tailored journey and there really is something for everyone.”

With solid year-on-year annual growth in audience numbers, films and events, coupled with Australia’s richest film prize up for grabs, CinefestOZ has firmed up its reputation as a ‘must do’ for independent Australian filmmakers. It has also become one of the ‘must attend’ events for some of the nation’s most well-known film and television identities.

One of Australia’s most successful and respected filmmakers Gillian Armstrong will head up the Film Prize Jury, having accepted the role of Jury Chair.

Also taking part in the festival experience is multi-award winning novelist, playwright, television writer, screenwriter and lyricist Ben Elton (Upstart Crow); comedian, screenwriter and director Tim Ferguson (Film Prize Finalist Spin Out); Logie winning actor Lincoln Lewis (Spin Out); actress, director and writer Matilda Brown (The Death and Life of Otto Bloom); actor and writer Matthew Whittet
(Girl Asleep) alongside one of Australia’s greatest and most-loved actors Magda Szubanski plus many more.

CinefestOZ’s events span from the heart of Busselton to event and screening spaces within and around Bunbury and Margaret River. An eclectic variety of wineries, craft breweries, theatres, libraries and galleries are also joining the Festival fun, hosting a variety of events over the five-day Festival.

In the celebratory spirit, CinefestOZ will be offering a variety of community events and screenings for all to enjoy, including the IndigifestOZ Day, Cinesnaps Grand Finale and Free Community Screenings, with many filmmakers coming along for interactive audience discussion.

From a total of 82 films screening there will be 15 films with an Australian Premiere at the festival, showcasing some of the incredible home-grown cinematic tales which have been brought to life over the past 12 months. A blend of documentaries, feature films and short films will encourage audiences to ditch the downloads and come together to share a unique viewing experience.

Lose yourself in the glitz and glamour of the Film Prize Finalist red carpet premieres, where you can join the Film Jury to view The Death and Life of Otto Bloom MIFF@CinefestOZ, Girl Asleep, Jasper Jones and Spin Out and rub shoulders with the stars at the after-party in the Festival Marquee. Only one film will take out the coveted $100,000 film prize. Pair the premiere up with the corresponding In Conversation event to get a deeper insight into the film making team behind these wonderful stories and hear about their latest film projects and creative practice.

Western Australia’s South West region is a treasure trove of culinary delights, so why not attend one of the 19 Side Bar events, all housed in some of the region’s most popular wineries, craft breweries, galleries or restaurants and pair your cinematic and culinary passions together.

With such beautiful surrounds, audiences with insatiable film appetites and filmmakers and artists descending upon our doorstep from all over the country, it’s no wonder that CinefestOZ is Australia’s premiere destination film festival.

CinefestOZ kicks off on August 24 with an incredible program of free and ticketed events guaranteed to keep everyone entertained.

The full program and tickets can be found at cinefestoz.com from July 29. Get in quick as some events and screenings will sell out fast.

CinefestOZ is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, which is funded by Royalties for Regions. Rio Tinto is a proud Premium Partner of CinefestOZ. The festival acknowledges its strong partnership with Screenwest, Western Australia’s screen funding and development agency.

Program Highlights:

Gala Night – Screen Legend and CinefestOZ Film Prize Awards at Orana Cinemas and Festival Marquee. This iconic event announces the Screen Legend and reveals the winner of the CinefestOZ Film Prize. Film lovers and filmmakers mingle, enjoying a glass of something delicious, mouth-watering canapés and revel in the Festival festivities.

Film Prize Premiere Screenings and In Conversation Events – The 4 Film Prize Finalists will have their WA premiere screenings throughout the Festival, allowing audiences to sit in with the esteemed Film Prize Jury. Pair these screenings with an In Conversation Event, where audiences can delve deep into the minds of Australia’s best filmmakers and acting talent.

Side Bar Events - CinefestOZ hosts 19 Side Bar events, showcasing Australian feature and short films, featuring an incredible array of film mixed in with interactive filmmaker conversation.

Cinesnaps Grand Finale on Thursday, August 25 at the Festival Marquee- A youth friendly cinema-style seated red carpet event showcasing the best from the Cinesnaps Short Film Competition – an annual project which encourages young (15-18 yrs) aspiring South West filmmakers to create original short works based on the 2016 theme ‘The Window’.

IndigifestOZ Day on Friday, August 26 at the Festival Marquee- IndigifestOZ celebrates and builds awareness of Australian culture through Aboriginal film, art, music and food, and by recognising artists creating important work.

CinefestOZ Film Prize Jury Lunch on Saturday, August 27- One of the Festivals’ premium daytime events, these lunches give attendees the opportunity to enjoy a sumptuous meal, premium wines and stunning views whilst gaining insights into the Australian film industry from esteemed film industry guests.

-Official CinefestOZ Press Release-