-OFFICIAL CINEFESTOZ MEDIA RELEASE-

CinéfestOZ Schools Programme, Cine-Snaps Grand Finale attracts some of Australia’s best actors and filmmakers

Some of Australia’s best Actors and Filmmakers will come together to judge the expertise of the regions budding filmmakers as part of the Grand Finale of the CinéfestOZ Schools Programme.

Feature Film Actors David Wenham and Myles Pollard will join Directors Claire McCarthy, Denson Baker and Jub Clerc as well as Producer Maggie Miles for the Cine-Snaps Grand Finale.

“To have a line-up of some of Australia’s most talented actors and filmmakers here in support of these students and the Schools Programme is quite amazing,” said Cine-snaps Education Officer Caroline Beamond.

“The theme of this year’s Cine-snaps Short film competition was “The Turning Point” which makes reference to the Tim Winton novel on which the Australian Feature The Turning, was based - a film in which all of this panel was involved.

Abbreviation: The WA Chapters of the Turning will be a WA Premiere at CinéfestOZ this year as part of the MIFF@CinefestOZ program.

The Turning is the best-selling collection of short stories by Tim Winton set in the seaside town of Angelus, Western Australia, across three decades and 17 interconnected stories, six of which were filmed in Western Australia. This film was directed by 17 of Australia’s well-known directors and stars many of Australia’s actors. Abbreviation: The WA Chapters of the Turning features just the 6 chapters that were filmed in Western Australia.

“Given the panels connection with this feature it will be interesting to see how they respond to the students work.

“It is genuinely heartwarming to see this celebrity talent take the time to provide genuine feedback and wisdom to these students - it will be a fascinating event. The number of entries and level of support by the Australian film industry for this new initiative has far exceeded our expectations.”

Open to young people in the South West Region of Western Australia (aged 13-18 years) participants were invited form a production team of up to six individuals to produce a 3-5 min film based around a significant "Turning Points" in their lives.

The Cine-snaps Short Film Grand Finale, to be held in Busselton on the Thursday evening of the Festival, will be a youth friendly fun, glamorous and interactive public event to showcase the best from the Cine-Snaps Short Film Competition and celebrate the achievements of young people.

With a family supper club atmosphere of tables of six, the evening will include a red carpet arrival, live music from local young performers, finalists’ screenings and feedback from a panel of high profile film industry VIP guests. More than 2,500 students, from schools throughout the South West Region, are confirmed to participate across all project streams in the CinéfestOZ Schools Programme this year, reflecting a significant increase on engagement levels from 2012.

The Short Film Competition is a new initiative of the Cine-snaps Schools Programme; supported by Schools Partner Rio Tinto and Schools Associate ATCO Gas Australia.

MORE ABOUT CINÉFESTOZ CinéfestOZ showcases extraordinary Australian and French films over five days (21 -25 August).

Through feature film premieres and a highly anticipated film selection, the Film Festival draws a diverse audience and attracts filmmakers and actors from throughout Australia.

CinéfestOZ is a nod to the south-west’s early French exploration but also that country’s strong film making culture. Against this cultural backdrop Busselton comes alive for a celebration of engaging film, filmmaker forums, premiere and gala events.

Headquartered in Busselton, CinéfestOZ extends to Margaret River and Bunbury for extension premieres, additional screenings and a unique Schools Program.

About CinefestOz http://www.cinefestoz.com

CinéfestOZ showcases extraordinary Australian and French films over five days (21 – 25 August). Through feature film premieres and a highly anticipated film selection, the Film Festival draws a diverse audience and attracts filmmakers and actors from throughout Australia. In its sixth year, CinéfestOZ is a nod to the south-west’s early French exploration but also that country’s strong film making culture.

Against this cultural backdrop Busselton comes alive for a celebration of engaging film, filmmaker forums, premiere and gala events. Combined with the best sustenance, wines and music the region can offer, CinéfestOZ is a must-attend event for film followers, filmmakers, film lovers and those who appreciate the beauty of the south-west. Headquartered in Busselton, CinéfestOZ extends to Margaret River and Bunbury for extension premieres, additional screenings and a unique Cine-Snaps Schools Program.

-OFFICIAL CINEFESTOZ MEDIA RELEASE-

Edited by Vanessa McMahon