| Australia’s leading and emerging filmmakers will head west from 28 August to 6 September for the 19th CinefestOZ Film Festival, the nation’s largest dedicated celebration of Australian film.
Released today, the CinefestOZ 2026 Official Program features more than 100 new feature films, short films and television series alongside an exciting calendar of unique events hosted in cinemas, galleries, breweries, bars and restaurants throughout Western Australia’s beautiful South West.
CinefestOZ CEO Cassandra Jordan said this year’s program celebrates the extraordinary diversity of Australian storytelling, with audiences invited on a cinematic journey across some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes.
“We have stories from nearly every corner of our beautiful country this year,” Ms Jordan said.
“From the rugged beauty of Tasmania’s King Island, and Victoria’s Alpine region, to South Australia’s Barossa, Queensland’s Mount Isa, and Western Australia’s stunning Ningaloo Coast and the Kimberley, these incredible locations become characters in their own right.
“They provide the backdrop for stories that explore every human emotion from love, loss and heartbreak to hope, humour and joy.”
One of the festival’s biggest drawcards remains its renowned Film Prize Program, with audiences enjoying red carpet premieres, filmmaker Q&As, after parties and intimate In Conversation events with the creators behind this year’s four finalists for the prestigious $100,000 Film Prize.
Among the Film Prize finalists attending this year’s festival are Western Australian filmmaker Harvey Zielinksi (White Fever) with his new film Sweet Milk Lake (a MIFF@CinefestOZ selection); acclaimed actor Yael Stone (Orange is the New Black) with Wilderness; writer-director Dario Russo and actor Damon Herriman (Mortal Kombat II) for The Fox; and writer-director Sam Voutas and actor Florence Noble for Yesterday Island. Additional filmmakers and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.
Western Australian productions are strongly represented throughout the program, including Jebediah – Are We Okay – celebrating the iconic band’s 30-year journey; Albany shot drama Almost With You; and powerful documentaries Guided by Horses, Invisible Injuries and para ice hockey feature Hard as Puck, another MIFF@CinefestOZ selection.
Beyond the screen, CinefestOZ continues to deliver unforgettable festival experiences.
“We love creating events that audiences simply can’t experience anywhere else,” Ms Jordan said.
“Whether it’s singing along at our film inspired Karaoke Party; enjoying a cosy Mulled Wine over Short films; experiencing Horror in the Viewing Room at a funeral parlour; taking a chance on a Blind Date with a French Film or finishing the festival with the Big Dip in Geographe Bay, after celebrating the Film Prize winners at our Gala Night.”
Making cinema more accessible
This year CinefestOZ is launching its new Under 26 Next Gen Membership, with tickets available from just $12 making the festival more accessible for young film lovers.
“We want as many people as possible to experience Australian film,” Ms Jordan added. “Our new Under 26 initiative removes some of the barriers for younger audiences and helps inspire the next generation of cinema-goers, creatives and storytellers.”
The festival also includes a range of free events, including screenings of the best new Music Videos in Busselton City Centre from 2-5 September, showcasing some of Australia’s most creative music videos submitted to this year’s festival.
Alongside the official film program, audiences can also enjoy the free Deadly Day celebrations of First Nations culture; support young filmmakers of the future as part of the Cinesnaps schools program; and connect with Australia’s screen sector at the dedicated Industry Program.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Film Prize Screenings, After Parties and In Conversation Events I Various Venues I 3- 5 September
Experience the glamour of the red carpet at Reading Cinemas Busselton before each Film Prize screening, followed by exclusive after-parties at The Pavilion. Continue the conversation the following day at intimate In Conversation events.
In Conversation Jury Breakfast Shelter Brewing Co I Saturday 5 September
Join the Film Prize Jury as they discuss each of the Film Prize Finalist Films and the world of filmmaking over breakfast overlooking Geographe Bay.
Film Prize Celebration Saltwater Busselton I Saturday 5 September
Celebrate Australian filmmaking at the festival’s premier event: the presentation of the $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize, the prestigious Screen Legend Award and a cocktail celebration with food, drinks and live entertainment.
Short Film Program and Awards Busselton I Thursday 3 September
Celebrating new filmmaking talent on the rise across six short film sets including: Once Upon A Time in the West (WA Made); The Bad & the Beautiful; Some Like It Hot (Comedy); Deadly (First Nations) and The Next Generation (Students) held at various venues across the region.
Industry Program I Busselton I Thursday 3 and Friday 4 September
Two days of inspiring talks, unique workshops and fantastic networking opportunities. Program of speakers to be announced.
Cinesnaps Schools Program and Awards
CinefestOZ works with primary and secondary students in regional WA throughout the year and during the festival to develop our next generation of filmmakers. The Cinesnaps Short Film Competition and Awards will be held on Tuesday 1 September.
Deadly Day – FREE I Saturday 29 August – Saltwater Busselton I Sunday 30 August – Margaret River HEART I Friday 4 September - Bunbury Stirling Street Arts Centre
Free film screenings, talks, performances, markets and events celebrating our First Nations people and saying thank you to the diverse communities of Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River.
CinefestOZ would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land we live and work on and pay our respect to the Elders past, present and future.
CinefestOZ is supported by the WA Government through the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program. Premium Festival Partners are City of Busselton and Screenwest, and we acknowledge strong support from Screen Australia, and Lotterywest.
For more details visit www.cinefestoz.com |
