CinefestOZ unveils its stellar 2019 line-up

CinefestOZ has lifted the lid on its jam-packed 2019 program, with more than 150 events showcasing the best of Australian film.

The epic line-up includes a diverse array of Australian features, short films, documentaries and industry workshops, with 15 world, 11 Australian and 53 West Australian premieres screening over five days. 

CinefestOZ chief executive officer Malinda Nixon said the quality and diversity of the 2019 program underlined the enormous growth the festival had experienced in its 12 years.

“Anyone who picks up a program for this year’s CinefestOZ is going to be blown away by what’s on offer,” Nixon said. 

“We have an absolutely incredible selection of features, short films, documentaries, industry workshops and special events and audiences really will be spoilt for choice. 

“We are so proud that each year, CinefestOZ continues to grow and provide not only a platform for audiences to experience premiere film screenings but for WA and Australian filmmakers to come together to champion the industry. 

“This is another outstanding year for homegrown cinema and we can’t wait for audiences to enjoy our fabulous celebration of Australian film in the beautiful South West next month."

Leading the program will be the finalists vying for Australia’s richest film prize, Go!, H is for Happiness, Hearts and Bones, Judy and Punch and Measure for Measure. 

Filmmakers and attending talent from each of the finalist films will walk the red carpet at Orana Cinemas ahead of each premiere and will give audiences a deeper insight into the creative process by attending In Conversation events in the days following. 

Award-winning Australian director Rachel Ward has accepted the role of Film Prize Jury Chair for the 2019 Festival, and will also introduce a special screening of her film Palm Beach starring her husband Bryan Brown.  

Program highlights include the world premiere of The Naked Wanderer, a locally-shot film about a broken-hearted man who treks the WA coastline mostly naked for charity in a bid to win back his ex-girlfriend, and Wild Butterfly, to be screened in Australia’s first mobile 180-degree Dome cinema. 

Actress Rachel Griffiths will make her directorial debut with Ride Like a Girl, the incredible true story of Michelle Payne - the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. 

This year the festival will also introduce a small segment of New Zealand feature films, including Bellbird, Daffodils and Vai. 

Check out the entire program, running from August 20 to September 1, here.