CinefestOZ Albany will occur from 28 April- 1 May, putting a spotlight on the region’s film talent, with guests from around Australia attracting audiences from across WA.
The Program is composed of 18 features and 10 short films, the schools program Cinesnaps, IndigifestOZ and Industry Programs, with this year’s festival expanding from three days to four.
CinefestOZ CEO Malinda Nixon expects the Albany event, now in its second year, will draw audiences locally and from across WA with its mix of quality new Australian film, live filmmaker conversations and film related events. “The program is exciting and compelling for filmmakers and audiences alike. CinefestOZ Albany attracts national filmmakers and their films, while shining a spotlight on the Great Southern’s film talent. The entire program contributes to the region’s vibrant filmmaking scene,” Nixon said.
The Kinjarling Koort -Noongar for ‘Albany Heart’- is a highly anticipated event to celebrate the Menang community and local filmmakers on Saturday 30th of April at the Albany Town Hall and Square. Coming to life in the centre of the city, this special aspect of the festival will feature Karla Hart’s Tooly and Albany film Edward and Isabella along with a Robert Castiglione film set, a performance from the Albany Shantymen and cultural activities. CinefestOZ is thankful for Kurruh Mia’s assistance in organising the Noongar elements of the activities and the participation of local group, Creative Albany.
CinefestOZ Albany Event Co-ordinator, Annette Davis spoke about the impact the festival wishes to make on Great Southern filmmakers. “It really is about Albany as the heart. One of CinefestOZ Albany’s longer term aims, in the lead up to Albany’s Bicentenary, is to encourage local people to tell local stories through film. We hope that Kinjarling Koort and another event, the Industry Program, will help inspire and foster more local filmmakers.”
CinefestOZ Albany begins on Thursday 28 April with WA made comedy How To Please a Woman at Orana Cinemas. Join producers Tania Chambers and Judi Levine on the red carpet with cocktail party prior to the screening. Directed by Renée Webster, How To Please a Woman is a heartwarming story that is sure to have the audience laughing. An In Conversation Breakfast at the Kalyenup Studio, Albany Entertainment Centre follows the premiere of How to Please a Woman with insights from internationally renowned producers.
Throughout the festival, viewers will have the opportunity to watch a selection of proud Western Australian films such as I Met A Girl starring Albany’s own Joel Jackson for its first theatrical premiere in Australia and Stage Changers with Q&A from Ella Wright. Incredible documentaries drawing on stories Australians need to know including Carbon: The Unauthorised Biography and Ithaka. Joined by a selection of Indigenous documentaries; Alick and Albert, Ablaze and Off Country. Bring along the family to enjoy The Curious Case of Dolphin Bay and Around the World in 80 Days. Unmissable dramas include Wyrmwood: Apocalypse, Bosch & Rockit, Loveland and CinefestOZ Film Prize Finalist Here Out West. The international selection includes French titles Waiting for Bojangles and The Kitchen Brigade and is joined by touching New Zealand feature, Juniper.
As CinefestOZ wraps up, celebrate the closing night with a screening of Deadly Indigenous Shorts at the Gala Night. Come dressed in your best for this one, watch filmmakers walk the red carpet then enjoy a selection of short films by Indigenous filmmakers, reinforcing the power of storytelling through film. Sunday will provide a film lovers feast of films at Orana Cinemas.
