CinefestOZ today announced four bold and distinctive Australian films are in the running to win Australia’s richest $100,000 film prize, to be awarded by a Jury of prominent national and international filmmakers at the 2026 CinefestOZ Film Festival, which is being held in Western Australia’s spectacular South West from 29 August – 6 September.
The 2026 Film Prize finalists are:
Sweet Milk Lake
Written and directed by Harvey Zielinski
Starring Harvey Zielinski, Hunter Page-Lochard, Kieran Darcy Smith and Ngaire Pigram
After being mistaken for his twin brother by his estranged and dying dad, a soft-spoken trans man relishes the opportunity to be one of the boys, until the weight of the lie becomes heavier than his need for the truth. Sweet Milk Lake is a Melbourne International Premiere Funded film.
Wilderness
Written and directed by Martin McKenna
Produced by Mat Govani
Starring Yael Stone and Mirrah Foulkes
Allie is having a lot of trouble sleeping. She’s approaching fifty, her marriage is failing, her career is in jeopardy and her daughter is leaving home. Allie is also still dealing with missing her best friend, Kaz. All that she wants is one weekend to escape. In the aftermath of a serious car accident, Kaz surprises Allie to guide her on a road trip through the spectacular vistas of the Australian Alps. The perilous adventure brings Allie back to life, but only after nearly ending it. Wilderness is about those who listen and those who don’t.
The Fox
Written and directed by Dario Russo
Starring Jai Courtney Emily Browning, Miranda Otto, Olivia Coleman and Sam Neill
Nick, affable heir to a wealthy rural landowner, discovers his fiancée, Kori, is cheating on him and wants nothing more than to just fix the problem. One night, he captures a rogue Fox and she offers him a trade-off: if Nick lets her live, the Fox will help him save his relationship. Nick follows the Fox’s advice and the Kori seems to become everything he ever wanted. Until her strange new quirks make him question his decision. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Australian Feature at Sydney Film Festival.
Yesterday Island
Written and directed by Sam Voutas
Starring Ivan Aristeguieta, Florence Noble and Francis Greenslade
A simple favour leads a writer trapped on a surreal subantarctic island. To escape, he schemes to invite his ex-wife to the island, with darkly comedic consequences. A surprisingly wicked comedy about second chances, petty revenge, and the ultimate importance of forgiveness. Winner of audience choice award at Austin International Film Festival.
CinefestOZ Board Chair, Margaret Buswell said the finalists represent an exciting new generation of Australian filmmaking. “I’m delighted to share our four finalists for the 2026 Film Prize, which recognises excellence in filmmaking from an Australian feature film or documentary.”
“This year’s finalists showcase new creative voices delivering work of an exceptional standard. Each film presents a fresh Australian story that is surprising, thought-provoking and incredibly entertaining.
“We’re thrilled these outstanding films will make their Western Australian premieres at the 19th CinefestOZ, where audiences can enjoy them alongside visiting film talent and the official Film Prize Jury.”
“The 2026 $100000 CinefestOZ Film Prize winner will be announced at the spectacular Film Prize Celebration on Saturday 5 September at the stunning new Saltwater Busselton.”
Early Bird tickets are officially on sale today, offering exclusive access to screenings, filmmaker Q&As, afterparties, and the festival’s popular In Conversation events, where you can hear directly from Australian filmmakers and talent. The full festival program will be unveiled on 16 July.
Full details about CinefestOZ can be found here.
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