Cinefest Oz returns to light up the South West with 2024 program

Cinefest Oz has unveiled its 2024 festival program, bringing an exciting line-up of over 80 films, including features, documentaries, and shorts to the South West from Saturday, August 31, to Sunday, September 8.

“At this year’s festival, you will find a feast of drama, comedy, and feel-good family films, as well as horror, sci-fi, and thought-provoking and inspirational real-life stories,” Cinefest CEO Cassandra Jordan said.

Festivalgoers can expect notable appearances from Academy Award-winning director Adam Elliot and WA’s own screenwriter Craig Silvey, among other visiting talents.

Many of the key screenings will take place at Hoyts Bunbury, Orana Cinemas Busselton and Margaret River Heart. The festival will also feature a variety of events beyond the screenings, such as film lunches, art exhibitions, installations, and free community events, giving attendees the opportunity to engage with visiting filmmakers at various wineries, breweries, and art galleries throughout the region.

The festival includes four feature films that have been shortlisted for the 2024 Film Prize. John Sheedy’s Runt, written by WA screenwriter Craig Silvey and featuring WA actor Joel Jackson alongside stars like Jai Courtney, is in the running. Joining it are Adam Elliot and Liz Kearney’s Memoir of a Snail, Natalie Bailey’s Audrey, and First Nations director Jon Bell’s Indigenous horror flick The Moogai, all competing for Australia’s richest film award, valued at $100,000. Each premiere is followed by a special afterparty and an exclusive In Conversation dining event with the filmmaker.

In addition to Runt, Cinefest’s 2024 line-up features a diverse array of films from Western Australian filmmakers. David Vincent Smith’s He Ain’t Heavy follows 30-year-old Jade as she desperately tries to free her brother from his drug addiction by confining him in a vacant home in rural WA. West Coast Cops, directed by Claire Leeman and Kal Englishby, explores the experiences of UK police recruits as they start new lives in Western Australia. Busselton Jetty – A Sea of Discovery documents the journey of the Busselton Jetty Artificial Reef project, tracing its development from inception to completion, while short film Sundowners will resonate with local viewers through its current, topical reflection of WA’s rental and housing crises.

This strong focus on Western Australia’s emerging and aspiring filmmakers will also be showcased through the Cinesnaps Schools program and the Industry Program of presentations, discussion panels and workshops that feature renowned guest speakers from around the world.

Deadly Day will feature a range of free events that shine a spotlight on First Nations filmmakers, artists, performers, and storytellers, bringing a curated selection of experiences such as dance, film, artists workshops and more to ArtGeo Cultural Centre in Busselton on Sunday, September 1; Bunbury Rowing Club on Wednesday, September 4; and Margaret River Heart on Friday, September 6. 

Cinefest Oz 2024 hits WA’s South West from Saturday, August 31 to Sunday, September 8. For the full program and tickets, head to cinefestoz.com