Andamooka

Australia’s largest destination film festival – CinefestOZ – has announced the release of its 2024 program of films and events, which includes an exclusive preview of new family comedy Runt starring Celeste Barber, Jai Courtney and Jack Thompson, more than 80 feature films, documentaries and short films, and a raft of visiting talent from Saturday, 31 August – Sunday, 8 September in Western Australia’s South West.

Walking the red carpet at the festival this year will be Academy Award-winning director Adam Elliot and producer Liz Kearney (Memoir of a Snail), WA screenwriter Craig Silvey and actor Joel Jackson (Runt), Indigenous director John Bell (The Moogai), and producer Michael Wrenn and actress and disability rights advocate Hannah Diviney (Audrey) – whose films are finalists for Australia’s richest $100,000 Film Prize.

The creators of the emotionally charged new drama He Ain’t Heavy, director David Vincent Smith and producer Jess Parker are also heading south for the WA premiere of their film, which stars Sam Corlett (Vikings:Valhalla) and screen royalty Greta Scacchi.

He Ain’t Heavy.

CinefestOZ CEO Cassandra Jordansaid she was delighted at the calibre of filmmaking talent and fresh stories and films from Australia, as well as France and New Zealand, at this year’s festival.

“Festivalgoers will find a feast of drama, comedy and feel-good family films as well as horror, sci-fi and thought-provoking and inspirational real-life stories.”

“What I love about CinefestOZ is that in addition to seeing some of the best new films first, you also have the opportunity to hear from and meet visiting filmmakers both in the cinema and at wineries, boutique breweries, restaurants and galleries across our beautiful South West.

“More visiting filmmakers will be announced over the coming weeks, including the Film Prize Jury who have the challenging task of determining the winner of the 2024 CinefestOZ Film Prize.”

Alongside the official film program, festivalgoers will also be able to celebrate the rich Indigenous culture of the South West as part of the free Deadly Day; support young filmmakers of the future as part of the Cinesnaps schools program; and, learn more about our flourishing screen industry at the dedicated Industry Program.

Inside. Photo © Mathew Lynn

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Film Prize screenings, after parties and in-conversation dining events
Wednesday, 4 September – Saturday, 7 September
Various locations throughout Busselton and Margaret River
Ahead of each Film Prize premiere screening, filmmakers and attending talent will walk the red carpet, followed by an after-party at a South West hotspot. Each Film Prize film is also paired with a unique In Conversation dining experience, which takes place the following day and is where the filmmakers share with guests how they brought their projects to life, while enjoying sensational food at some of the South West’s best restaurants.

In Conversation Jury Breakfast
Saturday, 7 September
Shelter Brewing Co
Join the Film Prize Jury as they discuss each of the Film Prize Finalist Films and the world of filmmaking over a delicious breakfast of local produce.

Film Prize Celebration
Saturday, 7 September
Exciting new venue will be announced soon
Combining red carpet action, the cream of Australia’s filmmaking talent, the awarding of the high-profile Screen Legend and coveted $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize and a legendary cocktail party with food, drink and entertainment until midnight.

Short Film Sets
Sunday, 1 September – Friday, 6 September
Various locations throughout Busselton, Bunbury and Margaret River
Short Film Awards Thursday, 5 September
Margaret River HEART
In addition to the Film Prize, many more films will also be in competition in the Short Films section of the festival. There are six short films sets held at various venues across the region including Deadly (First Nations’ Finest), Duck Soup (Comedy), Home Grown (WA only), Lost in Translation (Love and Loss); The Meaning of Life; and the Twilight Zone(action, adventure, sci-fi and more); and then the best of the best at the Short Film Awards.

Industry Program
Thursday, 5 September – Friday, 6 September
City of Busselton offices
Two days of inspiring talks, unique workshops and fantastic networking opportunities. Program of speakers to be announced.

Cinesnaps Short Film Competition Awards
Tuesday, 3 September
Orana Cinemas Busselton
CinefestOZ works with primary and secondary students in regional WA throughout the year to develop our next generation of filmmakers. See short films from the finalists as part of the Awards ceremony held as part of the festival.

Deadly Days FREE
Busselton Sunday, 1 September
Bunbury Wednesday 4 September
Margaret River Friday, 6 September
Various locations
A range of free film screenings, talks, performances and events celebrating our First National people and saying thank you to the diverse communities of Augusta, Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River.

CinefestOZ will run Saturday, 31 August – Sunday, 8 September. Full details here. 

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