Film Prize

The Film Prize is a centrepiece of CinefestOZ, attracting acclaimed Australian filmmakers and actors of international renown. At its core is the prestigious Film Prize Jury, comprised of five distinguished national and international filmmakers, led each year by a prominent Chair. Past Chairs have included celebrated names such as Richard Roxburgh, Bruce Beresford, Nadia Tass, David Wenham, Gillian Armstrong, Scott Hicks, Sigrid Thornton, and Rachel Ward. The remaining jury members, drawn from Australian and international film alumni, are esteemed leaders in their fields, ensuring a robust and expert evaluation process.

The Jury is tasked with selecting the winning film, attending each finalist screening during the festival. Films competing for the Film Prize must premiere in Western Australia and be represented at the festival by their producer, director, and key actors. Each finalist receives a glamorous red carpet screening, followed by a post-screening discussion, offering audiences unique insights into the filmmaking process. The winner is unveiled on Saturday night at an exclusive event attended by VIPs and key festival guests.

A maximum of five films are chosen as Film Prize finalists, with the announcement made approximately six weeks before the festival. This timeline maximizes media engagement and builds anticipation. Finalists’ teams, including the producer, director, and at least one key actor, are required to attend the festival, heightening publicity and red carpet appeal for their films, and further enriching the CinefestOZ experience.

Looking for eligibility requirements for the CinefestOZ Film Prize? Check out our submission T&C’s.