CinefestOZ recently welcomed new Board member Jo Gaines as a Non-Executive Director.
Jo has a wealth of experience in leadership roles within the Western Australia State Government and private sector where she is currently the Director of Gaines Advisory – an international strategic advisory and board search firm.
Margaret Buswell, our Chair said: “The Board is delighted that Jo has joined us, not only does she have expertise, skills and experience that will assist the growth and development of CinefestOZ as a sustainable, not for profit organisation, she has a genuine and authentic love of film.”
“It is this love of film that drew Jo to attend the film festival in the past, and she will be a valued member of our voluntary Board.”
“I am thrilled to be joining the Board of CinefestOZ ahead of the 16th annual Festival,” Jo said. “Film has such an important place in storytelling and helping to develop a shared understanding of the world in which we live, as well as entertaining and challenging us.”
“The work of CinefestOZ has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the film industry in Western Australia and with the commitment by the State Government to a film studio, the film industry in WA will continue to thrive. This is supported by the schools’ program ‘Cinesnaps’ that helps excite the imagination and develop the skills of our next generation.
“Important to me are also the more recent initiatives, IndigifestOZ and CinefestOZ Broome. As a child living in the Kimberley, I first experienced the joy of going to the outdoor cinema in Derby and Sun Pictures in Broome. It is so important that we support and celebrate First Nation stories through filmmaking at this important juncture in our nation’s history.”
Jo will serve alongside other dedicated members of the CinefestOZ board including Chair Margaret Buswell, Deputy Chair Emma Scotney, Deputy Chair Duncan Ord, Treasurer Pauline Vukelic, Secretary Dot West, Jub Clerc, Diana Wearing Smith and Susie Annus.
We are dedicated to being a Leader in the Australian Film industry by promoting remarkable Australian screen content. By bringing artists, storytellers and audiences together CinefestOZ provides a valuable forum for each to inspire, educate, support and learn from each other.
Australia’s largest destination film festival CinefestOZ 2023 runs from 29 August to 3 September in Western Australia’s beautiful South West.