MEDIA RELEASE 15 JULY 2025
WIFT AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES FUNDING BOOST FOR CINEFESTOZ-HOSTED WRITERS RETREAT
WIFT Australia has announced the expansion of its transformative creative residency, the annual WIFT Australia x CinefestOZ Writers Retreat, thanks to a new partnership with Minderoo Pictures.
Now in its fourth year, the retreat is a unique opportunity for up to four emerging or established female and gender-diverse screenwriters to progress a scripted drama project with tailored one- on-one mentorship, expert guidance, and industry networking in the vibrant surrounds of the CinefestOZ Film Festival, Australia’s premiere destination film festival, hosted in Busselton, Western Australia.
The partnership with Minderoo Pictures will enable WIFT Australia to engage Shay Spencer, Executive Producer at Picking Scabs, the joint venture between See-Saw Films and Samantha Strauss, to be embedded with the retreat participants as the program’s official mentor.
Spencer brings a wealth of experience to the role, having recently joined Picking Scabs, producers of the hit series Apple Cider Vinegar. Prior to this, Spencer served as Head of Drama at Jungle Entertainment where she identified lead their drama slate. Known for championing bold and emotionally rich storytelling, Spencer’s credits include the upcoming Sunny Nights (STAN/Cineflix Rights), He Had It Coming (STAN/Fifth Season), Wakefield (ABC/Showtime/BBC Studios), and Wentworth, and Picnic at Hanging Rock (Foxtel). During her time as a Drama Executive at Fremantle, Spencer was appointed to the shadow board where she reported to Fremantle’s Global Operating Board to offer creative, innovative and bold approaches to help shape the future of the business.
Maya Kavanagh, Program Manager and WIFT Australia Board Director, said Minderoo’s involvement reinforces the importance of backing bold new storytelling voices in Australian screen culture.
“Creating protected time and space for female and gender-diverse writers to focus deeply on their craft is vital to building a more inclusive and dynamic cultural landscape,” said Ms Kavanagh.
“With Shay’s mentorship, and support from both Minderoo and CinefestOZ, WIFT is excited to expand the retreat’s ability to nurture writers whose stories deserve to be seen and heard.”
CinefestOZ Film Festival CEO Cassandra Jordan said backing screenwriters at the early stage of development aligned closely with the festival’s mission.
“To host the development of these stories in the lead-up to our festival – and to imagine that they may one day premiere on our screens – is incredibly special,” said Ms Jordan.
“We are proud to once again collaborate with WIFT Australia and to welcome Minderoo Pictures as a key partner in delivering this unique and vital program.”
In addition to enabling the appointment of Shay Spencer, Minderoo will also fund a three-month post-retreat milestone review, ensuring continued momentum and accountability for each writer’s project well beyond the festival.
“Minderoo Pictures is proud to support WIFT and their efforts to champion the careers of women and gender-diverse creatives across the screen industry. We need these perspectives if we are to tackle the persistent social, economic and environmental challenges our world faces,” said Malinda Wink, Executive Director, Minderoo Pictures.
“Through their mentoring and development programs, WIFT plays a vital role in removing the barriers for women and gender-diverse creatives to tell their stories, creating space for the authentic, transformative content that can reshape our world.”
Running from Friday 29 August to Saturday 6 September 2025, the retreat incorporates focused writing time, wellness activities, and access to the CinefestOZ Industry Program (4–5 September). Participants will receive expert mentorship, meet with leading producers and decision-makers from across the country, all whilst experiencing the incredible hospitality the festival has to offer.
The program covers accommodation, meals, local transport, plus flights for interstate participants. It is free to apply for but applicants must have a current WIFT Australia Professional Membership.
Applications are now open and close on 5pm AWST Friday 1 August 2025.