Australia’s leading and emerging filmmakers will head west from 28 August to 6 September for the 19th CinefestOZ Film Festival, the nation’s largest dedicated celebration of Australian film. 

Released today, the CinefestOZ 2026 Official Program features more than 100 new feature films, short films and television series, alongside an exciting calendar of unique events hosted in cinemas, galleries, breweries, bars and restaurants throughout Western Australia’s beautiful South West.  
 
CinefestOZ CEO Cassandra Jordan said this year’s program celebrates the extraordinary diversity of Australian storytelling, with audiences invited on a cinematic journey across some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. 
 
“We have stories from nearly every corner of our beautiful country this year,” Ms Jordan said.

“From the rugged beauty of Tasmania’s King Island, and Victoria’s Alpine region, to South Australia’s Barossa, Queensland’s Mount Isa, and Western Australia’s stunning Ningaloo Coast and the Kimberley, these incredible locations become characters in their own right.

“They provide the backdrop for stories that explore every human emotion from love, loss and heartbreak to hope, humour and joy.” 

One of the festival’s biggest drawcards remains its renowned Film Prize Program, with audiences enjoying red carpet premieres, filmmaker Q&As, after parties and intimate In Conversation events with the creators behind this year’s four finalists for the prestigious $100,000 Film Prize.  

Among the Film Prize finalists attending this year’s festival are Western Australian filmmaker Harvey Zielinksi (White Fever) with his new film Sweet Milk Lake; acclaimed actor Yael Stone (Orange is the New Black) with Wilderness; writer-director Dario Russo and actor Damon Herriman (Mortal Kombat II) for The Fox; and writer-director Sam Voutas for Yesterday Island. Additional filmmakers and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
Western Australian productions are strongly represented throughout the program, including Jebediah: Are We Okay? – celebrating the iconic band’s 30-year journey; Albany shot drama Almost With You; and powerful documentaries Guided by Horses, Invisible Injuries and para ice hockey feature Hard as Puck. 
 
Beyond the screen, CinefestOZ continues to deliver unforgettable festival experiences.

“We love creating events that audiences simply can’t experience anywhere else,” Ms Jordan said.

“Whether it’s singing along at our film inspired Karaoke Party; enjoying a cosy Mulled Wine over Short films; experiencing horror in the Viewing Room at a funeral parlour; taking a chance on a Blind Date with a French Film or finishing the festival with the Big Dip in Geographe Bay, after celebrating the Film Prize winners at our Gala Night.” 

This year CinefestOZ is launching its new Under 26 Next Gen Membership, with tickets available from just $12 making the festival more accessible for young film lovers.

“We want as many people as possible to experience Australian film,” Ms Jordan added. “Our new Under 26 initiative removes some of the barriers for younger audiences and helps inspire the next generation of cinema-goers, creatives and storytellers.” 
 
The festival also includes a range of free events, including screenings of the best new Music Videos in Busselton City Centre from 2-5 September, showcasing some of Australia’s most creative music videos submitted to this year’s festival.   
 
Alongside the official film program, audiences can also enjoy the free Deadly Day celebrations of First Nations culture; support young filmmakers of the future as part of the Cinesnaps schools program; and connect with Australia’s screen sector at the dedicated Industry Program.

You can find out more about CinefestOZ here.

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