Industry Conference

SUBSCRIBE TO INDUSTRY ENEWS INDUSTRY CINEPASS

The two-day program, features presentations, discussion panels and workshops and will focus on learning from respected industry leaders and spotlighting creative successes for future growth. The CinefestOZ Industry Conference is the biggest of its kind presented in Western Australia. Industry sessions are held in the heart of Busselton, offering established and emerging filmmakers to network, discuss and grow skills that are relevant to our growing industry. Join us – in person for inspiring talks, exciting discussions, intense debates, fantastic networking opportunities, and much more. 

The 2025 Conference dates are Thursday 4 + Friday 5 September and a new Creative Development Workshop will be held on Wed 3 September.  

We would like to acknowledge our valued Industry Partners, the WA Government through the Regional Arts and Culture Investment Program, the City of Busselton, South West Development Commission, Screenwest, Screen Australia, and Minderoo Pictures. As well as our Industry Supporters: Perth Film Studio, ECU, Perth Business Events, Siamese, and WIFTWA.

Screen heavyweights join CinefestOZ

CinefestOZ Film Festival announced today that award winning producer, creator and founder of Kindling Productions, Imogen Banks (Offspring, Fake, Puberty Blues), and Fremantle Media’s Emmy and AACTA-nominated producer, Brett Popplewell (Bay of Fires, Heartbreak High, Wentworth), will headline the 2025 CinefestOZ Industry Program in Busselton, Western Australia.

Also joining the Industry Program is South African Film Producer, Genevieve Hofmeyr (Blood Diamond, Safe House, and Mad Max: Fury Road), and prolific US film producer, Jon Kuyper (Thirteen Lives, The Great Gatsby, The Hobbit), who will speak alongside a raft of Australian film industry experts at the two day event, running alongside the 18th CinefestOZ Film Festival (August 30 –September 7).

“We are very fortunate to have multiple industry leaders travelling from overseas and across Australia giving their time to share their knowledge, and to help the development and growth of the industry at presentations, discussion panels and workshops,” said Cassandra Jordan, CEO CinefestOZ Film Festival.

“And, in an exciting first for Western Australia, our new CineConnect program will facilitate one-on-one meetings for emerging, mid and experienced filmmakers with influential screen executives from ABC TV, Stan Originals, Paramount Plus, BBC Studios, Minderoo Pictures and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) and Easy Tiger Productions. It is an important time for Western Australia’s film industry as we see more films produced in the State, and the development of the new Perth Film Studios.”

Comments attributed to Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk: “There is a wealth of creative talent in WA and by nurturing this talent our stories can be shared around the world.

“It is great to see so many influential figures from behind the camera, coming to WA to generously share their knowledge and insights with screen practitioners from various career stages. The CinefestOZ Industry Program brings creative minds together and it is through events such as these provide the spark for new opportunities and will help the WA screen sector gear up for the next chapter.

“The State Government is building the capacity of WA’s screen industry workforce and our new $5 million Screen Capacity Fund will help WA screen production business scale up and gear up in readiness for Perth Film Studios, which are on track to open in 2026.” 

INDUSTRY CINEPASS

INDUSTRY PANELS 2025

Becoming nationally and internationally competitive for major production.

Western Australia’s screen industry is primed for growth — but what does it really take to scale up and succeed on the international stage? In this dynamic session, hear from two industry heavyweights who’ve done just that:

Genevieve Hofmeyr, whose work helped position Cape Town as a major international production hub, with credits including Blood Diamond, Safe House, and Mad Max: Fury Road.

Jon Kuyper, a seasoned film producer from the US, former SVP of Physical Production at Warner Bros, and producer on global blockbusters like Thirteen Lives, The Great Gatsby, and The Hobbit.

With Stephen Jenner, VP of Communications Asia Pacific at the Motion Picture Association, this session will deliver practical insights, real-world strategies, and inspiration for WA practitioners ready to welcome global productions, grow their skillset and work side-by-side with top international talent. 

FEATURED GUESTS 

Western Australia’s screen sector is entering a pivotal phase of growth and transformation. In this forward-looking session, three key industry leaders, Tom Avison (CEO, Perth Film Studios), State Government Representative, and Rikki Lea Bestall (CEO, Screenwest), each present their five-minute vision for the future of the WA screen industry. 

From infrastructure and cultural precincts to talent development and investment, they’ll outline their priorities for building a thriving and sustainable local screen ecosystem. The session concludes with 25 minutes of audience Q&A, offering the opportunity to engage directly with the people helping shape the next chapter of screen storytelling in WA. 

Panel: Tom Avison CEO, Perth Film Studios, State Government representative, and Rikki Lea Bestall CEO, Screenwest. 

What does it take to turn a great idea into a fully developed television series? In this session, leading creatives Imogen Banks (Offspring, Fake), Phil Lloyd (Population 11, The Moodys), and Megan Palinkas (Heartbreak High, The Heights) break down the essential stages of TV development, from concept and character creation to pitching, writing, and refining the show’s creative DNA.

Whether you’re a first-time creator or an experienced writer looking to sharpen your process, this conversation offers valuable insights into what makes a TV series stand out in an increasingly competitive market and how to get it to the screen.

Panel: Imogen Banks, Producer, Kindling Pictures, Phil Lloyd, Writer & Producer, Jungle Entertainment and Megan Palinkas, Writer & Script Producer.

FEATURED GUESTS 

The Secret to Reaching an International Audience

What gives an Australian story global appeal? In this insightful session, hear from international screen leaders Sophia Mogford (Paramount+), Shay Spencer (See-Saw Films/Picking Scabs) and Brett Popplewell (Fremantle Media),  as they explore how local stories can find international success. Drawing on their experience developing, producing and commissioning content for global platforms, the panel will discuss what resonates beyond our borders, how to retain authenticity while appealing to international markets, and what it really takes for Australian stories to travel the world.

Panel: Sophia Mogford (Paramount+), Shay Spencer (See-Saw Films/Picking Scabs) and Brett Popplewell (Fremantle Media)

FEATURED GUESTS 

Get an insider’s look at one of the world’s most respected content powerhouses in this exclusive session with Mike Jones, Development Executive at BBC Studios. With a focus on scripted drama and comedy, Mike will share insights into the BBC’s development approach, what they’re looking for in partnerships, and how Australian creatives can elevate their ideas to connect with global audiences. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand how BBC Studios works—and how your next project could align.


In Conversation with Mike Jones, Development Executive, Scripted Production, BBC Studios. 

FEATURED GUESTS 

The Kids Are Back: is it a new era for Australian children’s content?

In this session, hear from Donna Chang (Stan) and Bernadette O’Mahony (ACTF) who are leading an innovative partnership to revive films for kids.

Join Donna and Bernadette, as well as Screenwriter Kathryn Lefroy (Whale Shark Jack) and hosted by Drew Grove (Screen Australia) as they discuss how the partnership works and share experiences from Windcatcher and the upcoming WA-made feature Whale Shark Jack. This conversation will explore how strategic collaboration is key to creating high-quality, distinctly Australian stories for young audiences—and why the children’s film space is ripe with opportunity.


Panel: Donna Chang (Stan), Bernadette O’Mahony (ACTF) and Kathryn Lefroy (Cottesloe Films). 

FEATURED GUESTS 

Step inside the making of We Bury the Dead, the highly anticipated feature starring Daisy Ridley, in this exclusive behind-the-scenes session exploring the film’s striking visual effects.

Director Zak Hilditch, VFX Supervisor Merlin Eden, and Producer Kelvin Munro break down the artistic and technical choices that shaped the film’s haunting aesthetic. From early concept development to final execution, this is a rare opportunity to hear how creative vision and visual storytelling combined to deliver one of Australia’s most compelling new films.

Panel: Zak Hilditch, Director, Merlin Eden, VFX Supervisor and Editor and Kelvin Munro, Producer Penguin Empire.

FEATURED GUESTS 

In a world grappling with urgent environmental challenges, how can filmmakers create work that informs, inspires, and ignites action? Join impact-driven storytellers Karissa Valencia (Peabody and Emmy-nominated showrunner), Heather Fipps (Hollywood Climate Summit), Allison Begalman (Hollywood Climate Summit) and Ali Weinstein (Director of programming Hollywood Climate Summit) as they explore the unique role of film in environmental advocacy.

From elevating underrepresented voices to navigating the ethics of storytelling and building campaigns that reach beyond the screen, this panel unpacks the craft and strategy behind making films that matter—both artistically and ecologically. 

Panel: Karissa Valencia, Heather Fipps,  Allison Begalman and Ali Weinstein

What does it take to get a feature documentary off the ground—and in front of the right eyes? In this practical and candid session, hear from Nel Minchin (Easy Tiger), Cody Greenwood (Rush Films), and Katrina Lucas (Songs Inside) as they break down what makes a compelling pitch for a feature doc. From choosing and shaping your story, and understanding your audience to finding the right partners, this session will equip you with the insights and tools to confidently pitch your next feature doc project.

Panel: Nel Minchin (Easy Tiger), Cody Greenwood (Rush Films), and Katrina Lucas (Songs Inside)

FEATURED GUESTS 

The Screenwest Industry Advisory Group (IAG) is pleased to invite members of the Western Australian Screen Industry to a ‘town hall’ style meeting in Busselton to raise items of discussion and ask questions of the group.

Screenwest will give an industry update, followed by IAG discussion, as part of the CinefestOZ Industry Program. 

 

And more panels to come… view all the confirmed GUESTS for 2025.

 

Creative Development Workshop

11:30am-4:30pm Wed 3 Sept 2025, Busselton

Empowering WA storytellers with the skills to shape tomorrow’s screen stories. 

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WIFT Australia, with support from Screenwest, is pleased to present this workshop hosted at the 2025 CinefestOZ Film Festival as part of its Industry Program to address a critical skills gap in Western Australia’s screen sector – creative development for scripted projects. 

Designed for individuals and companies working across the creative development process, this workshop will provide explore strategies and processes for embedding world-leading creative development best practices into your work or business. 

Facilitated by Shay Spencer (pictured), Executive Producer, Picking Scabs, See-Saw Australia, attendees can expect to:

  • Learn how leading international screen companies have built robust creative development pipelines;
  • Explore practices that support long-term, sustainable creative and commercial success across multiple scripted projects;
  • Understand how to integrate audience understanding into the creative process from day one;
  • Gain insights into how leading players support collaboration between creators, market players, and development execs;
  • Discover development structures that go beyond traditional models including public/private partnerships, studio slates, and writer-driven incubators. 

Registration for this workshop is open to everyone, please register via the WIFT website. It is free for WIFT members or just $20 for non-members. Registration will include a light lunch. 

REGISTER NOW

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CineConnect - New in 2025

Filmmakers attending CinefestOZ will have the opportunity to meet with some of Australia’s, leading streamers, broadcasters and practitioners – including Stan, Paramount Plus, BBC Studios, Minderoo Pictures and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) – as part of the new CineConnect program. 

Running alongside the Festival’s successful Industry Program from September 4 to 5 – CineConnect will match emerging, mid and experienced filmmakers with influential film and TV executives, including:

  • Alex Baldwin, Head of Screen, ABC TV
  • Amanda Clarke, Investment Manager, Minderoo Pictures
  • Bernadette O’Mahony, Head of Content at Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF)
  • Donna Chang, Commissioning Editor, Stan Originals
  • Malinda Wink, Executive Director, Minderoo Pictures
  • Mike Jones, Development Executive, BBC Studios Australia
  • Nel Minchin, Head of Factual, Easy Tiger Productions
  • Sophia Mogford, Head of Scripted Content & Comedy, Paramount Plus

Expressions of Interest are now open to participate in CineConnect in Busselton from September 4-5, link below. To be eligible, participants must be a CinefestOZ Film Festival 2025 Industry Passholder and submit their EOI by 5pm, 18 Aug 2025.

INDUSTRY PASSES can be purchased online and the full Industry Program will be released in August.

CineConnect is an initiative of the CinefestOZ Film Festival (August 30–September 7) and is supported by the Western Australian Government and Minderoo Pictures.

SUBMIT EOI

CineConnect is open to emerging, mid-career, and experienced screen practitioners who hold a valid CinefestOZ Industry Pass.

Expressions of Interest close at 5pm AWST, 15 August 2025.
To apply, you must be a 2025 Industry Passholder and complete the online EOI form via the CinefestOZ website.

Yes. Anyone can apply to CineConnect if they hold a 2025 CinefestOZ Industry Pass.

EOIs will be reviewed to determine the best fit with attending industry professionals. As meetings are limited, the process is highly competitive and based on merit, project readiness, and relevance to participating executives’ areas of interest. 

While best efforts will be made to match participants with relevant executives, selection will be curated at the discretion of the organisers based on the information provided and the relevance to the executive’s interests and slate.

CineConnect will be held in Busselton, Western Australia from 4–5 September 2025, during the CinefestOZ Film Festival’s Industry Program.

CinefestOZ WIFT Australia Writer’s Retreat

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CinefestOZ Film Festival and WIFT Australia have partnered together again to deliver its highly successful Writers Retreat in the beautiful South West region of Western Australia.
Held over three days, the CinefestOZ WIFT Australia Writers Retreat will provide participants with the space and time they need to make significant progress on a screen project they are currently attached to as the Sole or Lead Writer at any stage of development.
Participants will be receive a free two-day CinefestOZ Industry Program Pass to support their professional development and networking. READ MORE  
Applications have closed for 2025.