CinefestOZ draws big names to South West from August 24 to 28

THE CinefestOZ 2016 Film Festival will feature as the premier event this month, drawing crowds from across WA.

The five-day event, which is in its third year, will showcase 82 films and 65 events across 35 venues in the South West.

The film festival has quickly cemented itself as one of the most prestigious events, with its diverse quality of films, actors and the highly coveted $100,000 film prize.

This year’s four finalists vying for Australia’s richest film prize are Jasper Jones, Spin Out, Girl Asleep and The Death and Life of Otto Bloom.

Festival chief executive Malinda Nixon said this year’s program was of an exceptionally high quality.

“It’s a delight every year to hear the audience’s stories about the films they are discovering and sharing those discoveries with their friends,” she said.

“Exploring the program and the stunning South West simultaneously ensures Festival-goers have a uniquely self-tailored journey and there really is something for everyone.”

The festival brings actors, writers and directors from around Australia and the world to WA for the festival.

Oscar-winning director Gillian Armstrong will feature as this year’s film prize jury chairwoman.

Also taking part in the festival and walking the red carpet will be actor and comedian Magda Szubanski, novelist and screenwriter Ben Elton, actor Lincoln Lewis and actor and director Matilda Brown, with more special guests still to be announced.

CinefestOz Festival chairwoman Helen Shervington said the calibre of this year’s entries made choosing finalists a difficult task.

“Year on year the number and quality of entries for the $100,000 film prize increases, making it more and more challenging to narrow it down to just a handful of finalists,” she said.

“It’s actually wonderful to see Australian film-making continuing to thrive and film-makers are increasingly embracing the platform offered by CinefestOZ to showcase their works to appreciative audiences.”

The CinefestOZ Film Festival will run from August 24 to 28. Visit www.cinefestoz.com to view the official program and book tickets.