PRESS RELEASE
Australia’s friendliest film festival comes of age next month - celebrating 18 magnificent years - with a program of brilliant new Australian stories that will be brought to life on the big screen and at fresh new events held across the stunning Margaret River wine region from 30 August – 7 September.
Over 90 features, short films and TV series will run over the nine day festival, including the four $100,000 Film Prize Finalists - We Bury The Dead, Birthright, Songs Inside and One More Shot – along with sensational new works, such as:
- West Australian made Mystery Road: Origin 2, starring Mark Coles Smith, Tuuli Narkle and Clarence Ryan
- Tales from Outer Suburbia TV series from Academy Award winner - Shaun Tan
- Jimmy Barnes - Working Class Man - based on his best-selling memoir 'Working Class Boy'
- World Premiere of Dawn Jackson’s moving and transformative Pointe
- Brooke Blurton's debut film - It Will Find You - also a World Premiere.
“This year’s festival is all about connection - between people, places and experiences – and is something I think we can all relate to in 2025,” CinefestOZ CEO Cassandra Jordan said.
“With that theme in mind, we have created more great value events where festival goers can meet and hear from filmmakers, and enjoy fabulous food, wine and conversations.
“Along with plenty of comedy, drama, horror, sci-fi and feel-good family films, 2025 is also a big year for thought-provoking and inspirational real-life stories, with our biggest selection of documentaries ever.”
“We have also introduced fun new events, such as our film inspired Karaoke Party; cosy Mulled Wine movie night; Horror in the Viewing Room (short horror films at a funeral parlour); and, on the last day of the festival, the Big Dip: after a big night at the Film Prize Celebration, join us for a quick dip in the healing waters of Geographe Bay, off the iconic Busselton Jetty.”
Alongside the official film program, festival goers will be able to celebrate the rich Indigenous culture of the South West as part of the free Deadly Day; support young filmmakers of the future as part of the Cinesnaps schools program; and, learn more about our flourishing screen industry at the dedicated Industry Program.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Film Prize Screenings, After Parties and In Conversation Events
Ahead of each Film Prize screening at Reading Cinemas Busselton, filmmakers and talent walk the red carpet, followed by an after-party next door at the Pavilion. Each Film Prize film is also paired with an In Conversation experience at a local hot spot the following day. Here, filmmakers share with guests how they brought their projects to life, while enjoying local food and drink.
In Conversation Jury Breakfast – Saturday 6 September – Shelter
Join the Film Prize Jury as they discuss each of the Film Prize Finalist Films and the world of filmmaking over breakfast and overlooking Geographe Bay.
Film Prize Celebration - Saturday 6 September – Sabina River Farm
Combining red carpet action, the cream of Australia’s filmmaking talent, awarding of the high-profile Screen Legend and coveted $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize and a legendary cocktail party with food, drink and entertainment until midnight.
Short Film Program and Awards –– Thursday 4 September - Margaret River HEART
In addition to the Film Prize, many more films will also be in competition in the Short Films section of the festival. There are six short films sets held at various venues across the region.
Industry Program – Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September
Two days of inspiring talks, unique workshops and fantastic networking opportunities. Program of speakers to be announced.
Cinesnaps (Schools Program)
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 2 September.
Deadly Day – FREE – Saturday 30 August - Busselton Cultural Centre; Wednesday 3 Sept - Bunbury Stirling Street Arts Centre; Friday 5 Sept - Margaret River HEART
A range of 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.
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.
CinefestOZ is proudly supported by the WA Government through the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program. We would also like to acknowledge strong support from our Premium Partner Screenwest and the City of Busselton, along with our Major Partners Rio Tinto, Lotterywest, Forester and Screen Australia.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