CinefestOZ's nation's richest film award

Applications for the inaugural CinefestOZ Film Prize, Australia’s richest award for a single film, close this Friday, with festival organisers gearing up for the 2014 French and Australian film festival throughout the South West.

The festival, held each year over five days in August, will showcase more than 200 Australian and French short and feature films and documentaries in Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River.

Festival manager Malinda Nixon said the tireless work of the volunteer committee had helped to secure the award, which would give the festival and the region exposure internationally.

“Naturally we’re very excited — the award will continue to put our festival on the map, ” she said.

Ms Nixon said the film festival provided many opportunities for businesses and the tourism industry.

“What it does in terms of tourism is bring people into the region who are looking for things to do, ” she said.

It will be the second year the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre will host the CinefestOZ WA film premier.

This year CinefestOz had also teamed up with the Film and Television Institute to run the Cine-Snaps Short Film Selection competition.

Ms Nixon said audiences and filmmakers were becoming more familiar with the short film format, which gave young filmmakers an opportunity to develop their skills and seek feedback.

“We are local and it’s very much about providing opportunities for our young people, ” she said.

“We’re catching artists all the way through and facilitating their growth.

“It also provides a chance for them to engage and interact with their audiences – to find out what their audiences like and what they can adapt.”

The short film competition is part of the Cine-Snaps School Program.

Now in its seventh year, the program has engaged more than 5000 students in filmmaking workshops and screenings, including with local animators.

“We also have our film crew, so there are a variety of ways that people can get involved, ” Ms Nixon said.

More information on the film festival and the CinefestOZ Film Prize can be found at www.cinefestoz.com