CinefestOZ is Back in 2026 🎬
Mark your calendars CinefestOZ returns from 29 August – 6 September 2026, bringing nine unforgettable days of Australian film, industry connection, and community celebration across the South West. From Busselton to Margaret River and beyond, the festival will once again take cinema out into the community, delivering screenings, events, and experiences that celebrate place, people, and story.
From red carpets to regional screenings, bold conversations to unforgettable cinema moments, all your CinefestOZ favourites will be back and bigger than ever.
Image supplied.
Deadly Day | Saturday 29 August, Busselton
Kicking off CinefestOZ 2026 is Deadly Day, held on 29 August in Busselton.
Deadly Day is a free event that kickstarts our festival!  Centring on First Nations voices and stories, it’s a space for connection, listening and celebration through film and conversation, all with music, dance and free tucker!
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The Film Prize Journey | Wednesday 2 – Saturday 5 September
At the heart of CinefestOZ is the CinefestOZ Film Prize, Australia’s richest film prize for a homegrown film.
Audiences will once again be invited to experience the full Film Prize journey, from WA premieres through to the final announcement, celebrating outstanding Australian feature filmmaking and the creative teams behind it.
Industry Conference | Thursday 3 & Friday 4 September
Our Industry Conference returns across Thursday and Friday of the festival, bringing together screen practitioners, creatives, decision-makers and emerging voices.
Across panels, keynotes and conversations, the conference will explore the future of screen storytelling, sustainability, innovation and opportunity, all within the context of Australia’s rapidly evolving screen landscape.
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Short Films & Side-Back Events | Various Times/ Days
CinefestOZ proudly champions emerging and established filmmakers through our much-loved Short Film program, showcasing bold, inventive and diverse voices from across the country.
Our signature sidebar events return with filmmaker Q&As, special screenings, intimate conversations, and unforgettable moments that bring audiences and creatives together in uniquely CinefestOZ ways. All capped off with our prestigious Short Film Awards slated for Thursday 3rd September in the south west.
Stay Connected
There’s much more to come – programming announcements, guests, ticket releases and special events.
👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to our e-news to stay up to date with the latest CinefestOZ news and be the first to know what’s coming in 2026.
We can’t wait to welcome you back to the South West for CinefestOZ 2026.
CinefestOZ Red Carpet. Image credit: Abby Murray