An unforgettable South-West experience, CinefestOZ Film Festival is a must-attend for film fans.
Movie buffs unite as CinefestOZ Film Festival, the premiere destination film festival in Australia is back this August for its 14th year.
A must-attend event for any filmmakers or film lovers, the jam-packed film program for 2021 has been announced with 270 exciting film and event options showcasing the best of Australian cinema from established filmmakers and talented newcomers.
The festival will run over 5 days from August 25-29 in the region’s cinemas and picturesque venues including wineries, boutique breweries, small bars and galleries.
Chuck in some beautiful coastline and surrounded by incredible food and world-renowned Margaret River wine and you’ve got yourself a show-stopping event.
What is CinefestOZ
Busselton, Margaret River and Bunbury will roll out the red carpet to welcome filmmakers from across the country sharing their projects.
The festival will deliver a range of films across feature, documentary, shorts and experiential releases. It will feature 17 world premieres, 4 Australian premieres and 34 WA premieres at over 35 venues.
It includes a range of unique and immersive film experiences such as premiere events, In Conversation lunches, short film events, general screenings, industry events and free community screenings and events.
Film Prize Finalists
2021 will see the return of the CinefestOZ Film Prize with four films premiering to take home the title. Each film will also have an In Conversation lunch where guests will be treated to some of the finest food in the region at incredible destinations. The finalists this year are:
Here Out West
Screening: Friday 27th August, 8:30 pm and Sunday 29th August, 10 am at Orana Cinemas
In Conversation Lunch: Saturday 28th August, 12 pm at Chow’s Table
Genre: Family Drama
Across eight distinct yet interconnected stories, Nancy’s spontaneous flight after stealing her newborn grandchild from the hospital before they plan to take it away sets off a chain of events that brings together complete strangers over the course of one dramatic day.
Nitram
Screening: Thursday 26th, 6 pm and Sunday 29th August, 12 pm at Orana Cinemas
In Conversation Lunch: Friday 27th August, 12 pm at Rustico @ Hay Shed Hill
Genre: Drama
Nitram unexpectedly finds a friend in reclusive heiress Helen. When their friendship meets a tragic end, Nitram’s loneliness and anger grow as he begins a slow descent into a nightmare that culminates in the most nihilistic and heinous of acts.
River
Screening: Friday 27th August, 6:30 pm and Sunday 29th August, 2:30 pm at Orana Cinemas or 6 pm at MR HEART.
In Conversation Breakfast: Saturday 28th August, 8:30 am at Equinox Restaurant
Genre: Documentary
Rivers are seen as a source of great hope and something to be worshipped. They are where people are healed and blessed, where sins are washed away and the dead purified. Rivers are the arteries of the planet.
The Drover’s Wife The Legend Of Molly Johnson
Screening: Wednesday 25th August, 5:30 pm and Sunday 29th August, 4:15 pm at Orana Cinemas, Friday 27th August, 8:00 pm at Grand Cinemas
In Conversation Lunch: Thursday 26th August, 12 pm at Eagle Bay
Genre: Drama
When Yadaka, an Aboriginal man on the run from white law enforcement, intrudes on Molly’s
sanctuary she has carved out, the brutal hardships and secrets that have followed them both
throughout their lives must be confronted.
Tickets are set to sell fast for these, so get in first here.
Music Documentaries
A big range of music documentaries are on offer this year including:
Under The Volcano
Screening: Saturday 28th August, 6 pm at MR HEART, Sunday 29th August, 4:15 pm at Orana Cinemas and 6 pm at Grand Cinemas
In-Person Q&A with the director on Saturday 28th August 6 pm Screening
Charts the incredible rise and fall of AIR Studios Montserrat, the recording studio at the centre of the pop universe in the 1980s, with interviews from some of the most influential recording artists at the time.
I’m Wanita
Screening: Thursday 26th August, 8:30 pm at Orana Cinemas
The story of a chaotic, flamboyant force of nature & her lifelong odyssey to realise her
childhood dream – sometimes at the cost of those dearest to her.
Anonymous Club
Screening: Thursday 26th August, 6:00 pm at Orana Cinemas
With unprecedented, intimate access to the private life of Courtney Barnett, this innovative and stylised 16mm feature documentary follows a paradoxically introverted performer and anti-influencer, who, at the height of success, is ready to walk away.
Love In Bright Landscapes
Screening: Friday 27th August, 7:30 pm at MR HEART, Saturday 28th August, 12 pm and Sunday 29th August, 6 pm at Orana Cinemas
The tragedy & triumph of David McComb’s driven, passionate life is brought to the screen
with his poetry & newly discovered letters.
World Premieres
Star Dreaming
Screens every day in the Prospero Dome
Genre: Documentary
A magical odyssey through time and space, two children explore the mysteries of the Universe from the world’s oldest living culture and its largest radio telescope. It will be an unmissable immersive cinema experience that perfectly showcases the film’s stunning visuals.
Ruby’s Choice
Screening: Sunday 29th August, 12 pm at MR HEART
Genre: Drama
Ruby, a sweet creative elderly lady who lives alone has undiagnosed dementia. After she accidentally burns her house down, she is forced to shift into her daughter Sharon’s crowded home, and share her granddaughter’s Tash’s, bedroom.
Starring Jane Seymour, this heartwarming film will also include a high tea canapé pre-function before the screening.
Community Screenings
Films for all – the community screenings span through the region showcasing features and short films that reflect the theme Expecting the Unexpected.
The selection includes Boy, Happy Feet, Malcolm, Samson and Delilah and 2021 Cinesnaps Short Film Finalists.
Check out the film schedule here
Indigifest
IndigifestOZ is being reimagined this year with an all-new event.
Community Day | Saturday 28th August | Busselton Tennis Club | Free Event
IndigifestOZ showcases quality Indigenous Filmworks and increases awareness and understanding of culture and appreciation for Aboriginal talent.
You can meet Indigenous filmmakers, enjoy Indigenous short films and immerse yourself in local products from various stallholders.
Find all the details here
Want more? Take a look at the Full Program Guide
Tickets for all events can be found here.
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