Film Prize

The Film Prize brings to the festival Australian filmmakers and actors of international repute, including a Film Prize jury made up of five national and international filmmakers.

Films entered into the prize must screen in Western Australian for the first time and be accompanied at the festival by their producer, director and key actors. Each finalist film is showcased at a red carpet screening and discussed at a post-screening event. The winner is announced on the Saturday night of the festival at an event attended by all key festival guests and VIPs.

Submissions are now open for the 2024 festival.

Between three and six films are selected as finalists in the Film Prize. The announcement of the finalists is made approximately six weeks before the festival, allowing for capacity of continued media engagement. The producer, director and at least one key actor of each finalist film are required to attend the festival. This increases publicity and red carpet interest for each film.

At the festival each finalist film enjoys a red carpet screening, attended by the jury and the general public. This is immediately followed by a well catered afterparty with music and fine food. The day after the red carpet screening, each finalist film has an In-Conversation event, where audience and industry members can connect with the filmmaking team. These relaxed Q&A-style events, hosted by film industry identities, attract a large and engaged audience while showcasing the range of extraordinary venues and gastronomic riches available in the Margaret River region.

The Film Prize Jury is responsible for selecting the winning film. This group attends each one of the films’ screenings. A prominent Chair leads the Film Prize Jury each year. Past Jury Chairs include Richard Roxburgh, Bruce Beresford, Nadia Tass, David Wenham, Gillian Armstrong, Scott Hicks, Sigrid Thornton and Rachel Ward. Subsequent jury members are selected from Australian or International alumni and are recognised leaders in their film field.

The announcement and presentation of the Film Prize is made at a prestigious red carpet event, attended by federal, state and local government representatives including ministers, with members from all major film industry organisations in Australia represented. There is also a strong media presence which converts to national and international media exposure. This event is followed by a celebratory party like no other.

Film Submission Form Terms and Conditions Declaration