CinefestOZ launches 2022 program and announces Richard Roxburgh as Jury Chair
Running from 23 to 28 August in the beautiful South West, the festival has released an epic 2022 program featuring Screenwest-supported projects Sweet As, Avarice, Our Law, Wirnitj and Beyond the Milky Way.
CinefestOZ has today launched its 2022 Program, featuring an epic 270 film screenings and events to be held across 35 locations in Western Australia’s beautiful South West from 23 to 28 August, and has announced legendary Australian actor, writer, producer and director Richard Roxburgh as Jury Chair.
Celebrating its 15th year, the 2022 festival will deliver an extraordinary range of Australian stories encompassing feature, documentary, shorts and experiential films; highly regarded filmmakers and acting talent from across the country; and, unique dining, community and industry events in Augusta, Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River.
“The CinefestOZ team has worked closely with the film industry and the local community to create a program that talks to a diversity of audiences – from laugh-out-loud comedies and compelling dramas, to thought-provoking documentaries about current social and environmental issues, stories that showcase our First Nations people and films that tap into popular culture and music.” said Margaret Buswell, CinefestOZ Chair.
“There’s something special about CinefestOz and this corner of the world – the relaxed coastal environment, mixed with a vibrant arts community and of course its famous food and wine – makes it a truly unique experience. I am excited and honoured to be returning to the Festival this year as Jury Chair and WA’s South West where I’ve previously filmed several movies including Breath, GO and H is for Happiness, which I’m proud to say won the Film Prize in 2019.” said Richard Roxburgh, Jury Chair.
This year’s Film Prize finalists are Seriously Red, Transfusion, Of An Age and Jub Clerc’s Pilbara-filmed, Sweet As. The coveted $100,000 prize recognises excellence in filmmaking from an Australian feature film or feature-length documentary and is awarded on Gala Night by a Jury of prominent industry guests.
In addition to Sweet As, four Screenwest-supported projects are screening at the festival. CinefestOZ will feature the world premieres and filmmaker Q&As for feature film Avarice, NITV series Our Law and Karla Hart’s short film Wirnitj, and 360-degree Virtual Reality (VR) documentary Beyond the Milky Way will screen daily in Busselton from 24-28 August.
Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said the annual event was a fantastic celebration of new and exciting films and encouraged Western Australians to take part in the festivities.
He added, “The McGowan Government has committed to build a screen production facility in Western Australia, which will see the screen industry flourish and grow, creating jobs and opportunities for locals.”
“We’re pleased to support CinefestOZ, which continues to be an unmissable celebration of local and national filmmaking talent. Congratulations to the hardworking festival team for pulling together an incredible program for 2022 – I look forward to seeing audiences experience the exciting lineup of films on offer in the South West.” said Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO.
Highly-coveted Australian dramas and documentaries screening include Blaze, Everybody’s Oma, 6 Festivals, Under Cover, We Are Still Here, You Won’t Be Alone and Petrol.
In 2022, the festival continues the CinefestOZ Short Film Awards for excellence in Australian short filmmaking. Over 50 short films are set to screen over the six days with the top prize being $5,000 cash up for grabs.
The popular IndigifestOZ program is also back as is Cinesnaps, free community screenings and the festival’s two-day film industry program.
CinefestOZ 2022 runs from Tuesday 23 August to Sunday 28 August in locations across Busselton, Margaret River, Bunbury and Augusta.
Tickets are on sale now at cinefestoz.com
CinefestOZ is supported by Screenwest and Lotterywest through the Audience and Community Engagement Fund.
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E: info@screenwest.com.au
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