A brand-new event has been added to the CinefestOZ Film Festival calendar this year, set to fully immerse the local community in the festival week while showcasing indigenous film, food, and products.
With CinefestOZ now in its 14thyear and continuing to grow exponentially – organisers of the event are excited to announce an increase in their offerings to present the Community Day with IndigifestOZ.
Set to take place on August 28, the not-for-profit will partner with the Busselton Tennis Club to utilise its wonderful new clubhouse and surroundings by setting up marquees, stalls, food trucks, and short film viewing areas for the public to enjoy.
But more stall holders are still needed to ensure the event goes off without a hitch, with CinefestOZ event organisers calling on the indigenous community to join the film fun and take hold of the great economic opportunity, and showcase their culture.
CinefestOZ community manager Gabrielle Whirledge encouraged the region’s Indigenous businesses and organisations to join in the day which would showcase renowned and emerging aboriginal filmmakers in the country.
“This event is all about bringing the community and CinefestOZ together to share experiences and celebrate indigenous filmmaking,” she said.
“This will be a great day out for local families. They will be able to experience the extensive Indigenous filmmaking scene, as well as learn new skills and talents.”
Food stalls and music will fill the venue while patrons can also enjoy some of the film activities such as virtual reality and green screen fun.
People from around the region are expected to make the trip to Busselton to join in the festivities which will also include Indigenous short film viewings and the chance to explore other areas of film.
Ms Whirledge said she was excited to see the Busselton community come together for the new and different event.
“Some of the most important films have come from our Indigenous community,” she said.
“I am looking forward to seeing the response and invite all stall holders to get in touch.”
Aboriginal Health Organisations such as SWAMS will be on offer as well as opportunities for families to see what students at local schools have been up to during the festival week.
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.