CinefestOZ set to be the first Australian film festival to return with live cinema events in 2020
Early Bird ticket sales | 17 July
Full program announcement | 31 July
CinefestOZ will hold live events from August 25-30 as part of a brand new program.
This makes CinefestOZ the first Australian film festival to host screenings for live cinema audiences in Western Australia’s South West since the easing of restrictions following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The full festival program, to be announced on 31 July, will incorporate at least 40 live events and screenings along with a selection of online screenings.
CinefestOZ Chair Helen Shervington said the lifting of restrictions in Western Australia meant what was initially planned as an online festival could now allow for physical attendance within health guidelines.
“West Australians have been told to ‘wander out yonder’ and where better to visit than our beautiful South West,” Shervington said. “If you’re looking for film, food and fun … CinefestOZ is the place to be.
“However, we recognise these are challenging times for us all, particularly our interstate friends and industry family who may be bound by the State border closure, so we will be presenting a program for those who can – and can’t – physically attend.
“The festival will use streaming technology to deliver film events to even greater audiences, and we urge those who can’t join us this year to stay connected until we can be together again in person next year.”
CinefestOZ will look and feel a little different in 2020 but will continue to champion Australian stories and film through an original program which will feature films, short film curations, Cinesnaps schools program activations, community screenings and more.
For the first time in the festival’s 13-year history, CinefestOZ will also include a Short Film Competition with prizes up for grabs for Best Short Film, Best Indigenous Short Film, Best WA Short Film, Best WA Female Short Filmmakers, Best Lead Actor, Best Director and Audience Choice.
“It has been a really tough year for all Australians, especially those in the arts and entertainment industry,” Shervington said.
“We urge everyone to show their support to great Australian filmmakers and either jump online or take the trip south and come join us in person. After all, nothing beats seeing a film than collectively in a cinema.”
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