CINEFESTOZ LAUNCHES A FILM PROGRAM LIKE NO OTHER 

Today we are thrilled to announce the release of our  2022 program featuring an epic 270 film screenings and events – and the appointment of award-winning actor, writer, producer and director Richard Roxburgh as Chair of the Jury that will award the prestigious $100,000 Film Prize.

Celebrating our 15th year – the six-day festival will be held from 23-28 August across 35 locations in Western Australia’s South West and will provide festival-goers with the opportunity to see some of Australia’s best new films first, and connect with filmmakers and visiting talent at the region’s cinemas, wineries, restaurants, boutique breweries, small bars and galleries in Augusta, Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River. 

“The CinefestOZ team together with the film industry and the local community has created an extraordinary program that talks to a diverse audience – from laugh-out-loud comedies and compelling dramas, to thought-provoking documentaries about current social and environmental issues, stories that showcase our First Nations people and films that tap into popular culture and music,” CinefestOZ Chair Margaret Buswell said.

“I am delighted to launch the 2022 program and announce that Richard Roxburgh will be joining us – fresh from his performance in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis – at CinefestOZ. Richard’s experience in film, television and theatre in Australia and internationally, as well as his knowledge of CinefestOz and the South West region, is a wonderful coup for the Festival and Western Australia.” 

“There’s something special about CinefestOZ and this corner of the world – the relaxed coastal environment, mixed with a vibrant arts community and of course its famous food and wine – makes it a truly unique experience,”
Mr Roxburgh said.

“I am excited and honoured to attend the Festival as Jury Chair and return to WA’s South West where I’ve previously filmed several movies including Breath, GO and H is for Happiness, which I’m proud to say won the Film Prize in 2019.”  

WA Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister Roger Cook said audiences are in for a treat this year with a fantastic line-up of Australian and Western Australian films.

“The State Government is proud to support this wonderful event once again, which is part of our commitment to the screen and tourism industry in Western Australia,” the Deputy Premier said. 

“Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to Australia’s South West for the Festival, which will add vibrancy and boost the region’s local businesses.

“I encourage visitors to get out and about and try some of the many incredible tours and experiences on offer in the area – from world-class vineyards, pristine beaches and caves to tall timber forests and gourmet food and wine, there’s so much to see and do.”

Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said the annual event was a fantastic celebration of new and exciting films and encouraged Western Australians to take part in the festivities.
 
“The McGowan Government has committed to build a screen production facility in Western Australia, which will see the screen industry flourish and grow, creating jobs and opportunities for locals.”


Festival Highlights

Film Prize Screenings and In Conversation Events
Ahead of each Film Prize premiere screening, filmmakers and attending talent will walk the red carpet.  Each Film Prize film is also paired with a unique In Conversationdining experience, which takes place the following day and is where the filmmakers share with guests how they brought their projects to life, while enjoying sensational food at some of the South West’s best restaurants. 

Seriously Red – lunch at Rustico@Hay Shed Hill on Thursday 25 August
Of An Age MIFF@CinefestOZ films – lunch at Cullen Wines on Friday 26 August
Transfusion – breakfast at Shelter Brewing Co on Saturday 27 August
Sweet As MIFF@CinefestOZ films – lunch at Yarri Bar & Restaurant Saturday 27 August

A special In Conversation Jury Lunch with all the members of the Film Prize Jury will be held at Aravina Estate on Saturday 27 August.

In Conversation events also accompany music drama 6 Festivals from writer/director Macario de Souza and producer Michael Wrenn at RIO Margaret River, Wednesday 24 August; the powerful documentary Clean about Sandra Pankhurst with writer/director Lachlan McLeod and producer David Elliot-Jones at Mojos Restaurant Bunbury, Thursday 25 August; and visual masterpiece Blaze from artist, writer and director Del Kathryn Barton and producer Samantha Jennings on Friday 26 August at Market Eating House Bunbury. 

Gala Night Saturday 27 August Orana Cinemas Busselton
Combining red carpet action, the cream of Australia’s filmmaking talent on stage, the best Australian film shorts, and the awarding of the high profile Screen Legend and coveted $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize. Celebrations continue after at Origins Market. 

Western Australian made World Premieres
Avarice red carpet event, screening and Q&A with writer/director/producer John V. Soto on Thursday 25 August; Pieces red carpet event and post screening discussion with director Martin Wilson, writer Monique Wilson and producer Nicole Fererro on Saturday 27 August; and, Our Law (Episodes 1-3) with writer/producers Taryne Laffar and Sam Bohdi Field on Saturday 27 August.

Scripted highlights 
WE ARE STILL HERE is a unique Indigenous film that interweaves eight powerful tales by ten directors to tell a sweeping story of hope and survival from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific spanning over 1000 years. Evicted! A Modern Romance – four spuriously employed housemates on the verge of eviction trawl Sydney’s fraught rental market in search of a new place to call home. Written and directed by Rowan Devereaux, produced by Sophie Saville and starring Amanda Maple-Brown, Will Suen, Rose Haining and Clare Cavanagh. Petrol MIFF@CinefestOZ  – the lonely existence of an impressionable film student is upended when she makes a mysterious new friend. Directed and written by Alena Lodkina, produced by Kate Laurie and starring Hannah Lynch and Nathalie Morris.

Documentary highlights
Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey explores the single greatest change in the history of cinema – the digital shift from recording and projecting on film as told through the eyes of projectionist and writer/director Rob Murphy, and with appearances from Hollywood film legends Quentin Tarantino and Douglas Trumbull. Everybody’s Oma filmmaker Jason van Genderen is obsessed with making home videos about his family, and their Dutch matriarch, Oma. He and his wife Megan embrace caring for Oma, who has dementia, in increasingly whimsical ways, accidentally turning her into an online celebrity. Their unassuming home videos, shot during the pandemic, attract over 100,000,000 views globally. Under Cover MIFF@CinefestOZ  – through moving portraits and with narration from Margo Robbie, Under Cover shines a light on a devastating reality – women over 50 being the fastest growing cohort experiencing homelessness in Australia. Directed and written by Sue Thomson and produced by Adam Farrington-Williams and Sue Thomson. 

Short Film Program
In addition to the Film Prize, many more films will also be in competition in the flourishing Short Films section of the Festival. The popular Deadly Indigenous Short Film Set shines a spotlight on the creativity and power of Indigenous filmmaking in Australian culture, while the 2022 Short Films take the audience on a journey with an entirely Queer Set, Vengabus with tales featuring the LGBTIQA+ community behind and infront of the camera; Rollercoaster – an array of strong stories which will bring audiences on a trip with highs and lows; and Party Bus – jump on the bus to laugh along at these fun flicks. CinefestOZ is also proud to once more bring the Delorean Filmmakers of the Future short film set, celebrating young WA filmmakers. 

Industry Program
Three days of inspiring talks, unique workshops and fantastic networking opportunities. More information to come.

Cinesnaps
A showcase of the short films of middle school and high school students from the South West and Great Southern Region. 

Community Screenings
Wildly popular, this year’s program is based on Australians digging deep.  After a few years of hardship it’s important to remind ourselves to dig deep, stay positive and be the best person we can. This year’s films embodies this theme with stories about Australians pulling together and finding joy through tough times.

Download our official CinefestOZ app to check out session times, book tickets and build your calendar of events during the festival.

CinefestOZ would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land we live and work on, and pay our respect to the Elders past, present and future.

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.

Notes:
About Richard Roxburgh
Richard has won acclaim for his performances in over 73 films and television series such as; Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis and Moulin Rouge!; Rake; The Crown; H is for Happiness; Go!; Breath; Fires; Hacksaw Ridge; Breath; Van Helsing; and Mission: Impossible 2. Well-known in Australia for his creation of celebrated series Rake, which he wrote, directed and performed (2010-2018) and is still streaming globally on several platforms, including Prime TV, Richard has been nominated for 28 international film and TV awards, with 13 wins including ACCTA winner for Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama in Rake, AFI Best Director for Romulus, My Father and Most Outstanding Actor Logie winner for Rake.

About CinefestOZ 
CinefestOz in the South West region of Western Australia is a celebration of Australian filmmaking that includes premieres and events in the region’s cinemas, wineries, small bars and galleries. The festival offers a lucrative film prize of $100,000 – the largest for an Australian film in the country – and has cultivated a reputation as both an industry event and film festival destination. The event has since grown with CinefestOZ Albany returning for its second year this April. The most recent addition is CinefestOZ Broome to be held in November – WA’s Indigenous film festival held in conjunction with Goolarri Media, a wholly owned and run Indigenous media organisation. 

CINEFESTOZ LAUNCHES A FILM PROGRAM LIKE NO OTHER 

Australia’s largest destination film festival – CinefestOZ – today announced the release of its 2022 program featuring an epic 270 film screenings and events – and the appointment of award-winning actor, writer, producer and director Richard Roxburgh as Chair of the Jury that will award the prestigious $100,000 Film Prize.

Celebrating its 15th year – the six-day festival will be held from 23-28 August across 35 locations in Western Australia’s South West and will provide festival-goers with the opportunity to see some of Australia’s best new films first, and connect with filmmakers and visiting talent at the region’s cinemas, wineries, restaurants, boutique breweries, small bars and galleries in Augusta, Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River. 

“The CinefestOZ team together with the film industry and the local community has created an extraordinary program that talks to a diverse audience – from laugh-out-loud comedies and compelling dramas, to thought-provoking documentaries about current social and environmental issues, stories that showcase our First Nations people and films that tap into popular culture and music,” CinefestOZ Chair Margaret Buswell said.

“I am delighted to launch the 2022 program and announce that Richard Roxburgh will be joining us – fresh from his performance in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis – at CinefestOZ. Richard’s experience in film, television and theatre in Australia and internationally, as well as his knowledge of CinefestOz and the South West region, is a wonderful coup for the Festival and Western Australia.” 

“There’s something special about CinefestOZ and this corner of the world – the relaxed coastal environment, mixed with a vibrant arts community and of course its famous food and wine – makes it a truly unique experience,”
Mr Roxburgh said.

“I am excited and honoured to attend the Festival as Jury Chair and return to WA’s South West where I’ve previously filmed several movies including Breath, GO and H is for Happiness, which I’m proud to say won the Film Prize in 2019.”  

WA Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister Roger Cook said audiences are in for a treat this year with a fantastic line-up of Australian and Western Australian films.

“The State Government is proud to support this wonderful event once again, which is part of our commitment to the screen and tourism industry in Western Australia,” the Deputy Premier said. 

“Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to Australia’s South West for the Festival, which will add vibrancy and boost the region’s local businesses.

“I encourage visitors to get out and about and try some of the many incredible tours and experiences on offer in the area – from world-class vineyards, pristine beaches and caves to tall timber forests and gourmet food and wine, there’s so much to see and do.”

Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said the annual event was a fantastic celebration of new and exciting films and encouraged Western Australians to take part in the festivities.
 
“The McGowan Government has committed to build a screen production facility in Western Australia, which will see the screen industry flourish and grow, creating jobs and opportunities for locals.”

Please note: ticket links will go live at 1pm today, 21 July 2022.

Festival Highlights

Film Prize Screenings and In Conversation Events
Ahead of each Film Prize premiere screening, filmmakers and attending talent will walk the red carpet.  Each Film Prize film is also paired with a unique In Conversationdining experience, which takes place the following day and is where the filmmakers share with guests how they brought their projects to life, while enjoying sensational food at some of the South West’s best restaurants. 

Seriously Red – lunch at Rustico@Hay Shed Hill on Thursday 25 August
Of An Age MIFF@CinefestOZ films – lunch at Cullen Wines on Friday 26 August
Transfusion – breakfast at Shelter Brewing Co on Saturday 27 August
Sweet As MIFF@CinefestOZ films – lunch at Yarri Bar & Restaurant Saturday 27 August

A special In Conversation Jury Lunch with all the members of the Film Prize Jury will be held at Aravina Estate on Saturday 27 August.

In Conversation events also accompany music drama 6 Festivals from writer/director Macario de Souza and producer Michael Wrenn at RIO Margaret River, Wednesday 24 August; the powerful documentary Clean about Sandra Pankhurst with writer/director Lachlan McLeod and producer David Elliot-Jones at Mojos Restaurant Bunbury, Thursday 25 August; and visual masterpiece Blaze from artist, writer and director Del Kathryn Barton and producer Samantha Jennings on Friday 26 August at Market Eating House Bunbury. 

Gala Night Saturday 27 August Orana Cinemas Busselton
Combining red carpet action, the cream of Australia’s filmmaking talent on stage, the best Australian film shorts, and the awarding of the high profile Screen Legend and coveted $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize. Celebrations continue after at Origins Market. 

Western Australian made World Premieres
Avarice red carpet event, screening and Q&A with writer/director/producer John V. Soto on Thursday 25 August; Pieces red carpet event and post screening discussion with director Martin Wilson, writer Monique Wilson and producer Nicole Fererro on Saturday 27 August; and, Our Law (Episodes 1-3) with writer/producers Taryne Laffar and Sam Bohdi Field on Saturday 27 August.

Scripted highlights 
WE ARE STILL HERE is a unique Indigenous film that interweaves eight powerful tales by ten directors to tell a sweeping story of hope and survival from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific spanning over 1000 years. Evicted! A Modern Romance – four spuriously employed housemates on the verge of eviction trawl Sydney’s fraught rental market in search of a new place to call home. Written and directed by Rowan Devereaux, produced by Sophie Saville and starring Amanda Maple-Brown, Will Suen, Rose Haining and Clare Cavanagh. Petrol MIFF@CinefestOZ  – the lonely existence of an impressionable film student is upended when she makes a mysterious new friend. Directed and written by Alena Lodkina, produced by Kate Laurie and starring Hannah Lynch and Nathalie Morris.

Documentary highlights
Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey explores the single greatest change in the history of cinema – the digital shift from recording and projecting on film as told through the eyes of projectionist and writer/director Rob Murphy, and with appearances from Hollywood film legends Quentin Tarantino and Douglas Trumbull. Everybody’s Oma filmmaker Jason van Genderen is obsessed with making home videos about his family, and their Dutch matriarch, Oma. He and his wife Megan embrace caring for Oma, who has dementia, in increasingly whimsical ways, accidentally turning her into an online celebrity. Their unassuming home videos, shot during the pandemic, attract over 100,000,000 views globally. Under Cover MIFF@CinefestOZ  – through moving portraits and with narration from Margo Robbie, Under Cover shines a light on a devastating reality – women over 50 being the fastest growing cohort experiencing homelessness in Australia. Directed and written by Sue Thomson and produced by Adam Farrington-Williams and Sue Thomson. 

Short Film Program
In addition to the Film Prize, many more films will also be in competition in the flourishing Short Films section of the Festival. The popular Deadly Indigenous Short Film Set shines a spotlight on the creativity and power of Indigenous filmmaking in Australian culture, while the 2022 Short Films take the audience on a journey with an entirely Queer Set, Vengabus with tales featuring the LGBTIQA+ community behind and infront of the camera; Rollercoaster – an array of strong stories which will bring audiences on a trip with highs and lows; and Party Bus – jump on the bus to laugh along at these fun flicks. CinefestOZ is also proud to once more bring the Delorean Filmmakers of the Future short film set, celebrating young WA filmmakers. 

Industry Program
Three days of inspiring talks, unique workshops and fantastic networking opportunities. More information to come.

Cinesnaps
A showcase of the short films of middle school and high school students from the South West and Great Southern Region. 

Community Screenings
Wildly popular, this year’s program is based on Australians digging deep.  After a few years of hardship it’s important to remind ourselves to dig deep, stay positive and be the best person we can. This year’s films embodies this theme with stories about Australians pulling together and finding joy through tough times.

Download the official CinefestOZ app to search session times, book tickets and build your calendar of events during the festival.

CinefestOZ would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land we live and work on, and pay our respect to the Elders past, present and future.

CinefestOZ thanks Presenting Partner Tourism WA, Premium Partners Screenwestand City of Busselton and Community Partner Rio Tinto. The festival acknowledges its strong support from Lotterywest and Screen Australia.