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Four bold and distinctive Australian films are in the running to win Australia’s richest $100,000 film prize at the 2026 CinefestOZ Film Festival.
The 2026 Film Prize finalists are:
Sweet Milk Lake – a heartfelt drama and MIFF@CinefestOZ selection, directed, written by and starring Western Australian filmmaker Harvey Zielinski (White Fever) alongside Hunter Page-Lochard (Reckless), Kieran Darcy Smith (Apple Cider Vinegar) and Ngaire Pigram (Sweet As).
Wilderness – an uplifting and emotional drama directed and written by Martin McKenna, produced by Mat Govani and starring Yael Stone (Orange is the New Black) and Mirrah Foulkes (Mr Inbetween).
The Fox – a dark, fantastical comedy directed and written by Dario Russo and starring Jai Courtney (Dutton Ranch) Emily Browning (One More Shot), Miranda Otto (Lord of the Rings), Olivia Coleman (The Roses) and Sam Neill (The Twelve).
Yesterday Island – a quirky, time-loop comedy directed and written by Sam Voutas and starring comedian Ivan Aristeguieta (Aftertaste), Florence Noble (The Paragon), Francis Greenslade (High Country).
CinefestOZ Board Chair, Margaret Buswell said the finalists represent an exciting new generation of Australian filmmaking. “I’m delighted to share our four finalists for the 2026 Film Prize, which recognises excellence in filmmaking from an Australian feature film or documentary.”
“This year’s finalists showcase new creative voices delivering work of an exceptional standard. Each film presents a fresh Australian story that is surprising, thought-provoking and incredibly entertaining.
“We’re thrilled these outstanding films will make their Western Australian premieres at the 19th CinefestOZ, where audiences can enjoy them alongside visiting film talent and the official Film Prize Jury.”
“The 2026 $100000 CinefestOZ Film Prize winner will be announced at the spectacular Film Prize Celebration on Saturday 5 September at the stunning new Saltwater Busselton.”
Early Bird tickets are officially on sale today, offering exclusive access to screenings, filmmaker Q&As, afterparties, and the festival’s popular In Conversation events, where you can hear directly from Australian filmmakers and talent. The full festival program will be unveiled on 16 July.
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