Mark Coles Smith in Beast of War.

Australia’s friendliest film festival comes of age next month, celebrating 18 magnificent years with a program of brilliant new Australian stories brought to life on the big screen and at fresh new events in Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River from 30 August – 7 September.

Over 90 features, shorts and TV series will run over the nine day festival, including the four $100,000 Film Prize Finalists – We Bury The Dead, Birthright, Songs Inside and One More Shot – along with sensational new works, such as:

• West Australian-made Mystery Road: Origin 2 starring Mark Coles Smith, which kicks off the festival Saturday 30 August in Busselton.

• Jimmy Barnes: Working Class Man premieres on Saturday 30 August in Margaret River

• Tails from Outer Suburbia from Academy Award-winning animator, Shaun Tan

• The world premiere of Dawn Jackson’s moving and transformative, Point

• The world premiere of It Will Find You from acclaimed filmmaker Enzo Tedeschi and co-directed and written by actor Chris Broadbent

Brooke Blurton in It Will Find You.

“This year’s festival is all about connection between people, places and experiences, which is something we can all relate to in 2025,” CinefestOZ CEO Cassandra Jordan said.

“With that theme in mind, we have created more great value events where festivalgoers can meet and hear from filmmakers, and enjoy fabulous food, wine and conversations.

“Along with plenty of comedy, drama, horror, sci-fi and feel-good family films, 2025 is also a big year for thought-provoking and inspirational real-life stories, with our biggest selection of documentaries ever.”

“We have also introduced fun new events, such as our film-inspired Karaoke Party; cosy Mulled Wine movie night; Horror in the Viewing Room (short horror films at a funeral parlour); and, on the last day of the festival, the Big Dip: after a big night at the Film Prize Celebration, join us for a quick dip in the healing waters of Geographe Bay, off the iconic Busselton Jetty.”

Alongside the official film program, festivalgoers will 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.

Daisy Ridley in We Bury the Dead.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Film Prize Screenings, After Parties and In Conversation Events
Ahead of each Film Prize screening at Reading Cinemas Busselton, filmmakers and talent will walk the red carpet, followed by an after-party next door at the Pavilion. Each Film Prize film is also paired with a unique In Conversation experience at a local hot spot the following day. Here, filmmakers share with guests how they brought their projects to life while enjoying local food and drink.

In Conversation Jury Breakfast
Saturday 6 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 breakfast overlooking Geographe Bay.

Film Prize Celebration
Saturday 6 September
Sabina River Farm
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 Program and Awards
Thursday 4 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.

Industry Program
Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September
Two days of inspiring talks, unique workshops and fantastic networking opportunities. Program of speakers to be announced.

Cinesnaps (Schools Program)
CinefestOZ works with primary and secondary students in regional WA throughout the year and during the Festival to develop our next generation of filmmakers. The Cinesnaps Short Film Competition and Awards will be held on Tuesday 2 September.

Deadly Day
FREE
Saturday 30 August
Busselton Cultural Centre on Wednesday 3 Sept
Bunbury Stirling Street Arts Centre on Friday 5 Sept
Margaret River HEART
A range of free film screenings, talks, performances, markets and events celebrating our First Nations people and saying thank you to the diverse communities of Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River.

You can find full details about the festival here. 

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