In fantastic news coming out of the South West the team behind CinefestOZ have announced the festival will happen at the end of August this year! Even though we may still have some border restrictions this is the perfect time for WA film lovers to head down south at the end of August to experience this festival for the first time if you haven’t been already.. See the full press release below.
Australia’s premier destination film festival CinefestOZ is delighted to announce it will hold live events in the South West from August 25-30 as part of a modified program.
It will be the first Australian film festival to host screenings for live cinema audiences since the easing of restrictions following the COVID-19 pandemic.
CinefestOZ will announce on 31 July the full festival program, which will incorporate at least 40 live events and screenings along with a selection of online screenings.
CinefestOZ Chair Helen Shervington said the lifting of restrictions in Western Australia meant what was initially planned as an online festival could now allow for physical attendance within health guidelines.
“West Australians have been told to ‘Wander out Yonder’ and where better to visit than our beautiful South West,” Shervington said. “If you’re looking for film, food and fun … CinefestOZ is the place to be.
“However, we recognise these are challenging times for us all, particularly our interstate friends and industry family who may be bound by the State border closure, so we will be presenting a program for those who can – and can’t – physically attend.
“The festival will use streaming technology to deliver film events to even greater audiences, and we urge those who can’t join us this year to stay connected until we can be together again in person next year.”
CinefestOZ will look and feel a little different in 2020 but will continue to champion Australian stories and film through an abridged program which will feature films, short film curations, Cinesnaps schools program activations, community screenings and more.
For the first time in the festival’s 13-year history, CinefestOZ will also include a Short Film Competition with four cash prizes up for grabs for Best Short Film, Best Indigenous Short Film, Best WA Short Film and Best WA Female Short Filmmakers.
“It has been a really tough year for all Australians, especially those in the arts and entertainment industry,” Shervington said.
“We urge everyone to show their support to great Australian filmmakers and either jump online or take the trip south and come join us in person. After all, nothing beats seeing a film than collectively in a cinema.”
Early bird tickets go on sale July 17 with the full program announced on July 31 – more information is available at the CinefestOZ website.
