Australia’s largest destination film festival – CinefestOZ – today announced the release of its 2022 program featuring an epic 270 film screenings and events – and the appointment of award-winning actor, writer, producer and director Richard Roxburgh as Chair of the Jury that will award the prestigious $100,000 Film Prize.
Celebrating its 15th year – the six-day festival will be held from 23-28 August across 35 locations in Western Australia’s South West and provides festival-goers with the opportunity to see some of Australia’s best new films first, and connect with filmmakers and visiting talent at the region’s cinemas, wineries, restaurants, boutique breweries, small bars and galleries in Augusta, Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River.
Getting to the Festival has never been easier for those on the East Coast, with direct flights between Melbourne and Busselton-Margaret River now on offer – meaning the Festival and wonders of the Margaret River region are just four hours flight away.
“The CinefestOZ team together with the film industry and the local community has created an extraordinary program that talks to a diverse audience – from laugh-out-loud comedies and compelling dramas, to thought-provoking documentaries about current social and environmental issues, stories that showcase our First Nations people and films that tap into popular culture and music,” CinefestOZ Chair Margaret Buswell said.
“I am delighted to launch the 2022 program and announce that Richard Roxburgh will be joining us – fresh from his performance in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis – at CinefestOZ. Richard’s experience in film, television and theatre in Australia and internationally, as well as his knowledge of CinefestOz and the South West region, is a wonderful coup for the Festival and Western Australia.”
“There’s something special about CinefestOZ and this corner of the world – the relaxed coastal environment, mixed with a vibrant arts community and of course its famous food and wine – makes it a truly unique experience,” Mr Roxburgh said.
“I am excited and honoured to attend the Festival as Jury Chair and return to WA’s South West where I’ve previously filmed several movies including Breath, GO and H is for Happiness, which I’m proud to say won the Film Prize in 2019.”
Whilst in WA’s South West enjoying the celebration of Australian film, guests can also soak up the wonders of the Margaret River region – from world-class wineries to whale watching; from underground cave systems to explore or curating your own gourmet trail. See our List below.
CinefestOZ Festival Highlights
Film Prize Screenings and In Conversation Events
Ahead of each Film Prize premiere screening, filmmakers and attending talent will walk the red carpet. Each Film Prize film is also paired with a unique In Conversation dining experience, which takes place the following day and is where the filmmakers share with guests how they brought their projects to life, while enjoying sensational food at some of the South West’s best restaurants.
Seriously Red – lunch at Rustico@Hay Shed Hill on Thursday 25 August
Of An Age MIFF@CinefestOZ films – lunch at Cullen Wines on Friday 26 August
Transfusion – breakfast at Shelter Brewing Co on Saturday 27 August
Sweet As MIFF@CinefestOZ films – lunch at Yarri Bar & Restaurant Saturday 27 August
A special In Conversation Jury Lunch with all the members of the Film Prize Jury will be held at Aravina Estate on Saturday 27 August.
In Conversation events also accompany music drama 6 Festivals from writer/director Macario de Souza and producer Michael Wrenn at RIO Margaret River, Wednesday 24 August; the powerful documentary Clean about Sandra Pankhurst with writer/director Lachlan McLeod and producer David Elliot-Jones at Mojos Restaurant Bunbury, Thursday 25 August; and visual masterpiece Blaze from artist, writer and director Del Kathryn Barton and producer Samantha Jennings on Friday 26 August at Market Eating House Bunbury.
Gala Night Saturday 27 August Orana Cinemas Busselton
Combining red carpet action, the cream of Australia’s filmmaking talent on stage, the best Australian film shorts, and the awarding of the high profile Screen Legend and coveted $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize. Celebrations continue after at Origins Market.
Click here to view and purchase tickets for the 2022 Program which includes World Premieres, Documentaries, Short Film Program (including the Deadly Indigenous Short Film Set), Industry Program, Cinesnaps Schools Program, Community Screenings and much more.
THINGS TO DO IN THE MARGARET RIVER REGION:
– Make a stop in at the iconic Busselton Jetty, which is the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere stretching an amazing 1.8 kilometers out to sea
– Spend the day sipping your way around the region on a Guided Wine tour or at your own pace with a skipper. There’s hundreds of cellar doors, breweries and world-class wineries to take your pick from
– Breathe in the freshest air and epic views as you hike along the Cape to Cape Track
– Treat yourself with a spa treatment at one of the many luxe day spas
– Reconnect with yourself and your loved ones on a guided horse-ride through the forests and beaches
– Be awe-struck by nature on a whale watching tour or swimming with wild dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury
– Head underground to experience on of the region’s ancient cave structures that are peppered along the coastal road connecting Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin
– Taste the best of WA produce, art and culture at Origins Market Busselton or spend your day visiting the farms and artisans directly on your own gourmet trail
.jpg){kind=tracking}