Red Carpet Ready to Be Rolled for Cinefest Oz

CinéfestOZ, the Australian and French film festival held in Western Australia's South West in August is gearing up to welcome filmmakers, stars and diverse audiences to enjoy film screenings and events in centres around the region.

Held annually, CinéfestOZ screens the latest and best of Australian and French feature films, short films and documentaries, and celebrates the historic connection and French influences in the South West region of Western Australia with a rich program of events.

Boosted by the introduction in 2014 of the CinéfestOZ Film Prize, a $100,000 award for an Australian feature film, the festival is expected to attract the highest calibre of Australian filmmakers and stars in the festival's history.

CinéfestOZ CEO Malinda Nixon said the Film Prize, made possible through Tourism WA's Regional Events Program, which is funded by Royalties for Regions, will reward excellence in Australian filmmaking and draw international attention to Australian films and the region.

“The introduction of the Film Prize will deliver a premier showcase of new Australian feature films at the film festival, enticing people from all over the country to enjoy them all in this beautiful place.

“The Prize is about recognizing great Australian film and people who work to bring these films to our screens. For the CinéfestOZ film festival, it is equally about continuing to build the integrity of the festival and being an internationally influential film festival,” Ms Nixon said.

To add to the festival's kudos, acclaimed Australian actor Joel Edgerton (The Great Gatsby) will be walking the red carpet at this year's festival for the Western Australian premiere of his psychological thriller 'Felony', which is one of six films in the running for the inaugural film prize.

CinéfestOZ is also delighted to announce the members of the jury: actress Marta Dusseldorp (A Place to Call Home, Janet King), film selector Benjamin Illos, producer Sue Milliken and film reviewer Margaret Pomeranz, along with jury chair, acclaimed Australian director Bruce Beresford, have been invited to decide the winner.

Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association's (AMRTA) Chief Executive Officer Pip Close said that the AMRTA was proud to be a sponsor of what was set to be a truly sensational event on the South West's cultural calendar.

“We are delighted to welcome such esteemed members of the film industry to our region for CinéfestOZ,” said Ms Close.

“From a tourism perspective, what's great is that this event is not just for film buffs – it's a fantastic way to explore our beautiful region, with pop-up events held in local cinemas, wineries, small bars and galleries - from Margaret River to Busselton, Augusta, Bunbury, Dunsborough and surrounds,” she said.

CinéfestOZ runs from August 20 – 24. The full CinéfestOZ film and event program and ticket sales go online on 1st August.

For more information visit www.cinefestoz.com. For accommodation, tour bookings and general information on the Margaret River Region visit www.margaretriver.com.