CinefestOZ Film Festival announced today that award winning producer, creator and founder of Kindling Productions, Imogen Banks (Offspring, Fake, Puberty Blues), and Fremantle Media’s Emmy and AACTA-nominated producer, Brett Popplewell (Bay of Fires, Heartbreak High, Wentworth), will headline the 2025 CinefestOZ Industry Program (4-5 September) in Busselton, Western Australia.

Also joining the Industry Program is South African Film Producer, Genevieve Hofmeyr (Blood Diamond, Safe House, and Mad Max: Fury Road), and prolific US film producer, Jon Kuyper (Thirteen Lives, The Great Gatsby, The Hobbit), who will speak alongside a raft of Australian film industry experts at the two day event, runnning alongside the 18th CinefestOZ Film Festival (August 30 –September 7).

“We are very fortunate to have multiple industry leaders travelling from overseas and across Australia giving their time to share their knowledge, and to help the development and growth of the industry at presentations, discussion panels and workshops,” said Cassandra Jordan, CEO CinefestOZ Film Festival.

“Imogen’s session How to Develop a TV Show: From Idea to Greenlight and Brett’s panel What Makes Stories Travel: The Secret to Reaching an International Audience are both particularly relevant for creatives at all stages of experience.

“While Genevieve and Jon’s keynote session Scaling Up: Becoming nationally and internationally competitive for major production will deliver practical insights, real-world strategies, and inspiration for WA practitioners ready to welcome global productions, grow their skillset and work side-by-side with top international talent.

“And, in an exciting first for Western Australia, our new CineConnect program will facilitate one-on-one meetings for emerging, mid and experienced filmmakers with influential screen executives from ABC TV, Stan Originals, Paramount Plus, BBC Studios, Minderoo Pictures and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) and Easy Tiger Productions.

“It is an important time for Western Australia’s film industry as we see more films produced in the State, and the development of the new Perth Film Studios.”

INDUSTRY PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Presented by Perth Film Studios – Scaling Up: Becoming nationally and internationally competitive for major production.
Western Australia’s screen industry is primed for growth — but what does it really take to scale up and succeed on the international stage? In this dynamic session, hear from two industry heavyweights who’ve done just that: Genevieve Hofmeyr, whose work helped position Cape Town as a major international production hub, with credits including Blood Diamond, Safe House, and Mad Max: Fury Road; and, Jon Kuyper, a seasoned film producer from the US, former SVP of Physical Production at Warner Bros, and producer on global blockbusters like Thirteen Lives, The Great Gatsby, and The Hobbit. With Stephen Jenner, VP of Communications Asia Pacific at the Motion Picture Association, this session will deliver practical insights, real-world strategies, and inspiration for WA practitioners ready to welcome global productions, grow their skillset and work side-by-side with top international talent.

Vision for the WA Screen Industry
Western Australia’s screen sector is entering a pivotal phase of growth and transformation. In this forward-looking session, three key industry leaders, Tom Avison (CEO, Perth Film Studios), State Government Representative, and Rikki Lea Bestall (CEO, Screenwest), each present their five-minute vision for the future of the WA screen industry. From infrastructure and cultural precincts to talent development and investment, they’ll outline their priorities for building a thriving and sustainable local screen ecosystem. The session concludes with 25 minutes of audience Q&A, offering the opportunity to engage directly with the people helping shape the next chapter of screen storytelling in WA.
Panel: Tom Avison CEO, Perth Film Studios, State Government representative, and Rikki Lea Bestall CEO, Screenwest. 

What Makes Stories Travel: The Secret to Reaching an International Audience
What gives an Australian story global appeal? In this insightful session, hear from international screen leaders Sophia Mogford (Paramount+), Shay Spencer (See-Saw Films/Picking Scabs) and Brett Popplewell (Fremantle Media),  as they explore how local stories can find international success. Drawing on their experience developing, producing and commissioning content for global platforms, the panel will discuss what resonates beyond our borders, how to retain authenticity while appealing to international markets, and what it really takes for Australian stories to travel the world.
Panel: Sophia Mogford (Paramount+), Shay Spencer (See-Saw Films/Picking Scabs) and Brett Popplewell (Fremantle Media)

How to Develop a TV Show: From Idea to Greenlight
What does it take to turn a great idea into a fully developed television series? In this session, leading creatives Imogen Banks (Offspring, Fake), Phil Lloyd (Population 11, The Moodys), and Megan Palinkas (Heartbreak High, The Heights) break down the essential stages of TV development, from concept and character creation to pitching, writing, and refining the show’s creative DNA. Whether you’re a first-time creator or an experienced writer looking to sharpen your process, this conversation offers valuable insights into what makes a TV series stand out in an increasingly competitive market and how to get it to the screen.
Panel: Imogen Banks, Producer, Kindling Pictures, Phil Lloyd, Writer & Producer, Jungle Entertainment and Megan Palinkas, Writer & Script Producer.

Meet BBC Studios
Get an insider’s look at one of the world’s most respected content powerhouses in this exclusive session with Mike Jones, Development Executive at BBC Studios. With a focus on scripted drama and comedy, Mike will share insights into the BBC’s development approach, what they’re looking for in partnerships, and how Australian creatives can elevate their ideas to connect with global audiences. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand how BBC Studios works—and how your next project could align.
In Conversation with Mike Jones, Development Executive, Scripted Production, BBC Studios.

The Kids Are Back: is it a new era for Australian children’s content?
In this session, hear from Donna Chang (Stan) and Bernadette O’Mahony (ACTF) who are leading an innovative partnership to revive films for kids. Join Donna and Bernadette, as well as Screenwriter Kathryn Lefroy (Whale Shark Jack) and hosted by Drew Grove (Screen Australia) as they discuss how the partnership works and share experiences from Windcatcher and the upcoming WA-made feature Whale Shark Jack. This conversation will explore how strategic collaboration is key to creating high-quality, distinctly Australian stories for young audiences—and why the children’s film space is ripe with opportunity.
Panel: Donna Chang (Stan), Bernadette O’Mahony (ACTF) and Kathryn Lefroy (Cottesloe Films).

Exclusive Case Study: The VFX of We Bury the Dead
Step inside the making of We Bury the Dead, the highly anticipated feature starring Daisy Ridley, in this exclusive behind-the-scenes session exploring the film’s striking visual effects. Director Zak Hilditch, VFX Supervisor Merlin Eden, and Producer Kelvin Munro break down the artistic and technical choices that shaped the film’s haunting aesthetic. From early concept development to final execution, this is a rare opportunity to hear how creative vision and visual storytelling combined to deliver one of Australia’s most compelling new films.
Panel: Zak Hilditch, Director, Merlin Eden, VFX Supervisor and Editor and Kelvin Munro, Producer Penguin Empire.

Cinematic Climate: Filmmaking for Environmental Impact
In a world grappling with urgent environmental challenges, how can filmmakers create work that informs, inspires, and ignites action? Join impact-driven storytellers Karissa Valencia (Peabody and Emmy-nominated showrunner), Heather Fipps (Hollywood Climate Summit),  Allison Begalman (Hollywood Climate Summit) and Ali Weinstein (Director of programming Hollywood Climate Summit) as they explore the unique role of film in environmental advocacy. From elevating underrepresented voices to navigating the ethics of storytelling and building campaigns that reach beyond the screen, this panel unpacks the craft and strategy behind making films that matter—both artistically and ecologically.
Panel: Karissa Valencia, Heather Fipps,  Allison Begalman and Ali Weinstein

How to Pitch a Feature Doc
What does it take to get a feature documentary off the ground—and in front of the right eyes? In this practical and candid session, hear from Nel Minchin (Easy Tiger), Cody Greenwood (Rush Films), and Katrina Lucas (Songs Inside) as they break down what makes a compelling pitch for a feature doc. From choosing and shaping your story, and understanding your audience to finding the right partners, this session will equip you with the insights and tools to confidently pitch your next feature doc project.
Panel: Nel Minchin (Easy Tiger), Cody Greenwood (Rush Films), and Katrina Lucas (Songs Inside)

The Screenwest Industry Advisory Group (IAG) Town Hall
The Screenwest IAG Is pleased to invite members of the Western Australian Screen Industry to a ‘town hall’ style meeting in Busselton to raise items of discussion and ask questions of the group. Screenwest will give an industry update, followed by IAG discussion, as part of the CinefestOZ Industry Program.

More information on the Industry Program and Industry Passes is available HERE

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