Australia’s biggest destination film festival will have its unwavering expertise and knowledge bolstered even further this year with the event team proud to announce a brand new board member.
Boasting a wealth of background in leadership and legal positions, experienced board advisor and corporate lawyer Emma Scotney will be a prized asset for the festival.
Based north of Perth near Dandaragan, Ms Scotney – who also has business interests in primary production – will work side-by-side chief executive Malinda Nixon, chair Helen Shervington, and deputy chair Margaret Buswell to bring the August event to life.
Other dedicated and long-standing members of the board include co-founder David Barton, Jennifer Burrows, Jub Clerc, Gary Evershed, Warren Griffiths, Pauline Vukelic, and Diane Wearing Smith.
Ms Scotney said she hoped to learn more about the Australian film industry while in the role and looked forward to working with like-minded individuals.
“I am looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to the huge effort and commitment it takes to bring such a rich festival like CinefestOZ together,” she said.
“I have witnessed first-hand the dedication throughout the CinefestOZ team – from the leadership provided by the board and its CEO right through to the many community volunteers.”
CinefestOZ is a not-for-profit organisation that has grown exponentially over its 13 year history with the board consisting entirely of community volunteers who celebrate Australian film and dedicate their time to producing the Festival.
With the event expected to go full speed ahead between August 25 and 29 this year, Ms Scotney said she was amazed by how much the event had grown and was excited to be part of its journey.
“I have attended CinefestOZ a number of times, and each time I am amazed by how much it has matured. It makes for a really immersive cultural experience,” she said
“CinefestOZ is expanding to include other Western Australian regions, for example Albany this year, and I am keen to be part of its next growth phase and to witness the different nuances each region provides.”
With more than 25 years combined experience in agriculture and mining industries, a strong background in preparing corporate and commercial legal advice, and an extensive array of national connections through her work in these areas – Ms Scotney is a well-rounded addition to the board.
CinefestOZ chair Helen Shervington welcomed the newest addition.
“Emma brings a wealth of experience as a corporate lawyer and advisor to multiple boards on commercial contracts, corporate governance and compliance,” she said.
“Her energy and interest will be invaluable to us at the festival and I hope she enjoys being part of our organisation.”
Ms Shervington said Ms Scotney’s love of film and regular visits to past festivals would help her to fit in seamlessly with the board and looked forward to working together for the upcoming festival.
About 350 volunteers, film lovers and stars converge every year for the event, sharing their love for the highly-anticipated film program.
CinefestOZ thanks Presenting Partner Tourism WA, Premium Partners Screenwest and City of Busselton and Community Partner Rio Tinto. The festival acknowledges its strong support from Lotterywest and Screen Australia.
CinefestOZ would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land we live and work on and pay our respect to the Elders past, present and future.