by FilmInk Staff
CineConnect Expressions of Interest Close Sunday 23 August
CinefestOZ has announced an outstanding line-up of screen industry professionals for its 2026 Industry Program: Collaboration is Key. Opportunity is Global, running Thursday 3 to Friday 4 September 2026 as part of the 19th CinefestOZ Film Festival held in Western Australia’s South West( 28 August – 6 September 2026),
Headlining the program is Donna Chang, Commissioning Editor, Stan; Greg Denning, Head of Sales & Acquisitions and Development Manager, StudioCanal Australia; Alex Baldwin, Head of Screen ABC; Amanda Clarke, Investment Manager, Minderoo Foundation; Michael Favelle, Founder & CEO, Odin’s Eye Entertainment; Edwina Waddy, Head of Australian Content, Roadshow; Marc Wooldridge, Founder & Managing Director, Maslow Entertainment and Lee-Ann Woon, Marketing Media Manager, Madman Entertainment.
“This year’s Industry Program examines how meaningful partnerships are essential to the future of the Australian screen industry,” Cassandra Jordan, CEO of CinefestOZ, said.
“From international co-productions and Australian talent making their mark overseas, to innovative financing models, distribution and new approaches to audience engagement, the two-day program will provide practical insights and opportunities for screen practitioners at all stages of their careers.
“The program includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, case studies and our popular CineConnect program, creating opportunities for filmmakers to learn from leading industry figures while building meaningful connections.”
Returning for 2026, CineConnect offers emerging, mid-career and established filmmakers the opportunity to meet directly with key players across streaming, distribution, production, funding and development.
“Whether you are pitching a new project, seeking advice, exploring financing or distribution opportunities, or simply building relationships, CineConnect provides filmmakers with a unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with leading industry professionals who can help shape the future of their project.” Ms Jordan explained
Expressions of Interest to participate in CineConnect close on Sunday 23 August. To be eligible, filmmakers must hold a CinefestOZ Film Festival Industry Pass
Industry Program 2026: Sessions not to miss:
The Success of Australian Film: What is the Secret Sauce?
Join distributors Greg Denning from Studiocanal (Kangaroo), Marc Wooldridge from Maslow Entertainment (Leviticus, The Pout-Pout Fish) and International Sales Agent Michael Favelle from Odin’s Eye Entertainment for an honest conversation about distribution, foreign sales, audience strategy, and the ingredients that can help a film succeed in Australia and internationally.
Documentary Safeguarding: How to Look After Your Participants, and Yourself
Experienced documentary filmmakers will discuss practical strategies for protecting the wellbeing, dignity, and safety of participants, while also maintaining your own mental health and resilience throughout production.
International Co-Production Case Study: Stuff the British Stole
Explore what it takes to deliver an international co-production from WA, shooting across multiple continents and building partnerships across borders. Producer Celia Tait and travel coordinator Brooke Thomas take you behind-the-scenes for the making of the internationally acclaimed documentary series Stuff the British Stole
Thinking about making your first feature? Producer Offset Uncovered
Producer Mat Govoni (Wilderness, Late Night with the Devil) leads a practical two-hour session breaking down the Producer Offset and how it can fit into a feature film financing strategy. Designed specifically for emerging producers and filmmakers, this session will explore what to consider when developing a project, and how to start thinking about financing a first feature.
Who Are We: Minderoo Pictures
What does it take to create stories that make a lasting impact? Join Amanda Clark, Investment Manager at Minderoo Pictures, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s leading philanthropic screen investors and its approach to impactful storytelling.
More…
The broader industry program will also explore a range of topics relevant to screen practitioners including writing and comedy, First Nations co-productions, producing, cinematography, independent filmmaker, international career opportunities and pathways from short films to feature films. Further program announcements will be made as sessions and speakers are confirmed.
We would like to acknowledge our valued Industry Partners, the WA Government through the Regional Arts and Culture Investment Program, Minderoo Pictures, the City of Busselton, Screenwest and Screen Australia. We’d also like to thank our Industry Supporters Perth Film Studio’s and ECU.
About CinefestOZ
CinefestOZ in the South West region of Western Australia is a celebration of Australian filmmaking that includes premieres and events in cinemas, wineries, small bars and galleries across Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River. The festival offers a lucrative film prize of $100,000 – the largest for an Australian film in the country – and has cultivated a reputation as both an industry event and film festival destination. The event has since grown with CinefestOZ Albany, and CinefestOZ Broome – WA’s Indigenous film festival held in conjunction with Goolarri Media, a wholly owned and run Indigenous media organisation. This year CinefestOZ also went On The Road with free movie screenings and school workshops in smaller regional WA towns.
Additional Information: For more details visit www.cinefestoz.com
