by FilmInk Staff
CinefestOZ today announced four bold and distinctive Australian films are in the running to win Australia’s richest $100,000 film prize, to be awarded by a Jury of prominent national and international filmmakers at the 2026 CinefestOZ Film Festival, which is being held in Western Australia’s spectacular South West wine region 29 August – 6 September.
The 2026 Film Prize finalists are:
Sweet Milk Lake – a heartfelt drama and MIFF@CinefestOZ selection, directed, written by and starring Western Australian filmmaker Harvey Zielinski (White Fever) alongside Hunter Page-Lochard (Reckless), Kieran Darcy Smith (Apple Cider Vinegar) and Ngaire Pigram (Sweet As).
Wilderness – an uplifting and emotional drama directed and written by Martin McKenna, produced by Mat Govani and starring Yael Stone (Orange is the New Black) and Mirrah Foulkes (Mr Inbetween).
The Fox – a dark, fantastical comedy directed and written by Dario Russo and starring Jai Courtney (Dutton Ranch), Emily Browning (One More Shot), Miranda Otto (Lord of the Rings), Olivia Coleman (The Roses) and Sam Neill (The Twelve).
Yesterday Island – a quirky, time-loop comedy directed and written by Sam Voutas and starring comedian Ivan Aristeguieta (Aftertaste), Florence Noble (The Paragon), and Francis Greenslade (High Country).
CinefestOZ Board Chair, Margaret Buswell said the finalists represent an exciting new generation of Australian filmmaking. “I’m delighted to share our four finalists for the 2026 Film Prize, which recognises excellence in filmmaking from an Australian feature film or documentary.
“This year’s finalists showcase new creative voices delivering work of an exceptional standard. Each film presents a fresh Australian story that is surprising, thought-provoking and incredibly entertaining.
“We’re thrilled these outstanding films will make their Western Australian premieres at the 19th CinefestOZ, where audiences can enjoy them alongside visiting film talent and the official Film Prize Jury.
“The 2026 $100000 CinefestOZ Film Prize winner will be announced at the spectacular Film Prize Celebration on Saturday 5 September at the stunning new Saltwater Busselton.”
Early Bird tickets are officially on sale today, offering exclusive access to screenings, filmmaker Q&As, afterparties, and the festival’s popular In Conversation events, where you can hear directly from Australian filmmakers and talent. The full festival program will be unveiled on 16 July.
Early Bird tickets on sale for special Film Prize events include:
- All four Film Prize red carpet premieres at the new Reading Cinemas in Busselton, followed by official after-parties next door at Busselton Pavilion.
- In Conversation meet-the-filmmaker events at Hilton Garden Inn (Sweet Milk Lake), Inara Busselton (Wilderness), Shelter (The Fox), and the Fire Station (Yesterday Island).
- Film Prize Jury Breakfast at Shelter Brewing Co and the Film Prize Celebration on Saturday 5 September at the new Saltwater Busselton.
About the Film Prize Films
Sweet Milk Lake
After being mistaken for his twin brother by his estranged and dying dad, a soft-spoken trans man relishes the opportunity to be one of the boys, until the weight of the lie becomes heavier than his need for the truth. Sweet Milk Lake is a Melbourne International Premiere Funded film
Wilderness
Allie is having a lot of trouble sleeping. She’s approaching fifty, her marriage is failing, a career in jeopardy and her daughter is leaving home. Allie is alao still dealing with missing her best friend, Kaz. All that she wants is one weekend to escape. In the aftermath of a serious car accident, Kaz surprises Allie to guide her on a road trip through the spectacular vistas of the Australian Alps. The perilous adventure brings Allie back to life, but only after nearly ending it. Wilderness is about those who listen and those who don’t.
The Fox
Nick, affable heir to a wealthy rural landowner, discovers his fiancée, Kori, is cheating on him and wants nothing more than to just fix the problem. One night, he captures a rogue Fox and she offers him a trade-off: if Nick lets her live, the Fox will help him save his relationship. Nick follows the Fox’s advice and the Kori seems to become everything he ever wanted. Until her strange new quirks make him question his decision. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Australian Feature at Sydney Film Festival
Yesterday Island
A simple favour leads a writer trapped on a surreal subantarctic island. To escape, he schemes to invite his ex-wife to the island, with darkly comedic consequences. A surprisingly wicked comedy about second chances, petty revenge, and the ultimate importance of forgiveness.
Winner of audience choice award at Austin Film Festival
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
