- $2.6 million in new funding from 2026-27 Budget to support CinefestOz through to 2029-30
- Investment in screen culture building momentum for thriving local screen industry
- Cook Labor Government continues to support homegrown festival and boosts burgeoning screen industry
- Festival to continue to celebrate Australian film and storytelling in regional Western Australia
- Cook Labor Government fostering a vibrant and creative economy
The Cook Labor Government is rolling out the red carpet for Western Australia's screen sector, with a $2.6 million investment from the 2026-27 State Budget to secure the future of CinefestOz through to 2029-30.
As WA strengthens its position as a major destination for screen production both nationally and internationally, CinefestOz will continue to be a major tourism event and yearly cornerstone on the screen industry's calendar.
Returning on 29 August to 6 September 2026, the annual festival plays a vital role in showcasing Australian film against the stunning backdrop of regional WA, demonstrating the State's acting talent, stories and world-class locations to national and global audiences.
This investment in screen culture ensures the festival can continue to deliver strong outcomes aligned with the WA Screen Industry Strategy supporting skills development, industry connections and pathways for local practitioners, while strengthening regional creative economies.
Since its inception in 2008, CinefestOz has grown into a year-round organisation supporting the next generation of storytellers through initiatives such as the Cinesnaps School Program, Industry Program, and community events including Deadly Days.
Over the next four years, the festival will receive $2.6 million in funding, providing long-term certainty to support sustainable growth, future planning and expanded industry impact that will put Western Australia firmly on the map as a place to create, collaborate, and invest.
CinefestOz continues to deliver significant cultural and economic benefits, with last year's festival attracting more than 29,000 attendees and featuring over 200 screenings of 104 films, creating opportunities for local creatives while driving visitation and tourism across the region.
This investment supports the Made in WA Plan, which is diversifying the economy and creating new jobs across the State's fast-growing creative industries.
By strengthening flagship creative industries events like CinefestOz, the Cook Labor Government is continuing to grow a vibrant, sustainable screen sector that attracts productions, grows local capability and shares Western Australian stories with the world.
The funding builds on the Cook Labor Government's strong track record of support for CinefestOz, including $900,000 through the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program to deliver the 2024 and 2025 South West festivals, a one-off boost of $170,750 was provided in February 2025 and $621,000 was provided for this year's Festival.
As stated by Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:
"CinefestOz is more than a film festival it's a powerful platform for Western Australian storytelling and a key driver of our growing screen industry.
"As we position Western Australia as a leading destination for screen production, screen culture events like CinefestOz help us showcase our talent, landscapes and capabilities to the world.
"CinefestOz connects our local creatives with national and international opportunities and inspires the next generation of storytellers to see a future for themselves in Western Australia."
As stated by South West Minister Don Punch:
"CinefestOz is a major driver of cultural activity, tourism and visitor spending in the South West, with last year's festival attracting more than 29,000 people and delivering a strong boost to the regional economy.
"This Cook Labor Government investment provides certainty for CinefestOz to continue growing, strengthening the region's tourism offering while supporting local jobs, building skills, and creating new opportunities for Western Australians across the screen and creative industries."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Cook Labor Government is proud to support regional arts initiatives that strengthen local creativity, showcase Western Australian stories, and deliver real benefits for regional communities.
"CinefestOZ is a major cultural and economic event for the South West, attracting visitors, creating jobs, and supporting a strong local screen and creative industries sector.
"By backing events like CinefestOZ, we are building opportunities for local talent, boosting regional tourism, and ensuring Western Australia continues to be recognised as a great place to create, collaborate and share stories with the world."
