by FilmInk Staff
This year’s festival boasts a prestigious guest list, including Australian acting royalty Sigrid Thornton, the iconic director Bruce Beresford, and the much-loved Chris Haywood presenting their new films and their own choices of their favourite retrospective titles.
A Celebration of Aussie Film
The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival is more than just red carpets and premieres. It’s a celebration of Australian cinema, showcasing established and emerging voices against the breathtaking backdrop of the outback. Festival Director Greg Dolgopolov says “the real beauty of coming all the way out to Winton is that it is a real focus on seeing a year’s worth of Australian films in ten days with a bunch of like-minded audience members. And because no one has to rush off anywhere, movie lovers have the opportunity to share their experiences. You get the chance to really meet the filmmakers and see a huge range of local film production – from wild documentaries such as Ice Maiden to indie outback horror films such as Birdeater to big new films such as the tent boxing drama Kid Snow.
And as we know, what happens in Winton stays in Winton!”. Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile or a casual film lover, the festival offers something for everyone – literally!
The legendary Sigrid Thornton, a household name synonymous with Australian classics will grace the Winton stage with her new film Slant in a role like you have never seen her before and also in retro titles Return to Snowy River and The Getting of Wisdom.
Festivalgoers have the rare opportunity to witness Thornton’s captivating screen presence firsthand and hear her insights on a brilliant career.
Vision Splendid welcomes the esteemed director Bruce Beresford, whose masterful storytelling has garnered international acclaim. Classics screening in Winton include Breaker Morant and Tender Mercies. Festivalgoers can expect a captivating conversation exploring Beresford’s creative process, his collaborations with legendary actors, and his enduring influence on Australian cinema.
Adding a touch of class is everyone’s favourite, the beloved Chris Haywood. A mainstay of Australian television and film, Haywood has brought a string of iconic outback characters to life – he is screening some of his favourite films including the 50-year anniversary screening of Peter Weir’s The Cars That Ate Paris and the little seen The Widower. The festival offers a chance to meet this charismatic performer and celebrate his contributions to Australian storytelling, particularly his ability to showcase the unique spirit of the outback.
One of the special things that happens in Winton is the Kolperi Bootcamp where tertiary student filmmakers come into town and over two weeks make a number of short films featuring the locals that are screened in competition on the final night.
Winton, itself, becomes an integral part of the festival experience. Nestled in the heart of Queensland, this outback town offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the Waltzing Matilda Centre, marvel at the Australian Dinosaur Stampede, or simply soak up the starry night sky – the perfect backdrop for open-air film screenings – there is no better way to see Furiosa roar across the outback than under the star studded sky of the outback.
See you there!
