- Cook Government to fund annual CinefestOZ Film Festival for a further three years
- Running from Tuesday 29 August to Sunday 3 September, it's expected to attract thousands of visitors to the South West and inject millions into the local economy
- Event supported through Tourism Western Australia's Regional Events Program
Movie-lovers are set to enjoy the CinefestOZ Film Festival in the South West for another three years, with the Cook Government committing funding to support the event until at least 2025.
The annual festival, which is supported through Tourism Western Australia's Regional Events Program, Screenwest, Lotterywest and Screen Australia, primarily showcases Australian films and has grown significantly since it was first held in 2008.
This year's festival will be held from Tuesday 29 August to Sunday 3 September. More than 200 free and ticketed screen-related events will be hosted in about 40 locations across the region, including local wineries, galleries, cinemas and small bars.
Four uniquely Australian films are in the running to win Australia's richest annual film prize at the 2023 festival, with a jury of five national and international filmmakers to award the $100,000 Film Prize.
As well as promoting both the Australian and Western Australian film industry, the festival's program helps highlight the South West region and boost tourism during the cooler months, with millions expected to be injected into the local economy through visitor spend.
The festival also features a dedicated schools program, Cinesnaps, that aims to inspire local students to develop an appreciation for the filmmaking process. There are also free 'Community Days' featuring IndigifestOZ, which showcase First Nations filmmaking and talent and is accessible to anyone in the community.
Read more about the festival and buy tickets at CinefestOZ.com.
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Today's announcement means this popular film festival will continue to shine a light on the WA film industry and our State's South West region, with local productions playing an important role in promoting WA's incredible landscapes to audiences far and wide.
"The CinefestOZ Film Festival is expected to attract thousands of people to the South West over the next three years, plus inject millions of dollars into the local economy, which is always welcome news for the region's tourism industry.
"I encourage everyone who is planning to travel to the region for this event over the coming years to stay a bit longer and take the time to experience all that our South West has to offer."
As stated by Acting Regional Development Minister Tony Buti:
"I'm delighted that funding for the next three years for the CinefestOZ Film Festival will ensure amazing local screen productions continue to flourish, with the event to provide a wonderful five-day experience for regional communities in the South West to enjoy.
"Regional events such as CinefestOZ showcase the talent, skills and culture of WA's regional areas while encouraging community engagement and boosting local economies.
"This five-day festival not only showcases the best the WA film industry has to offer, it attracts visitors to our showstopping South West and drives spending in local businesses."
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"CinefestOz has been a highlight on Western Australia's arts calendar for 16 years.
"Not only is it a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and enjoy Australian film, it is also a great way to promote Western Australia as a filming destination."
