CinefestOZ reveals its $100K film prize finalists
CinefestOZ has today announced four uniquely Australian films are in the running to win Australia’s coveted $100,000 annual film prize at the 2022 Festival (23 to 28 August) in the beautiful South West of Western Australia.
Seriously Red, Transfusion and MIFF@CinefestOZ films Of An Age and Sweet As will have their WA premieres at the festival and are this year’s Film Prize finalists, which recognises excellence in filmmaking from an Australian feature film or feature-length documentary and is awarded by a Jury of prominent Industry guests.
“The calibre of this year’s finalists is evidence that despite a challenging couple of years, the Australian filmmaking industry continues to bring to life inspirational and entertaining Australian stories. I know CinefestOZ audiences will be captivated by these films, which cover the full spectrum of storytelling from comedy, romance and self-discovery to gritty drama, ahead of the winner’s announcement at the Gala Night on August 27.” said Margaret Buswell, CinefestOZ Chair.
“CinefestOZ celebrates the best of Australian creativity in one of the best regions of Australia. Congratulations to all the finalists for what promises to be yet another memorable festival. I urge people to buy a ticket to support both CinefestOZ as well as the many fantastic local businesses and tourism operators.” said Hon. Roger Cook, Minister for Tourism.
The debut feature film from Nyul Nyul and Yawuru writer/director Jub Clerc, Sweet As is a coming-of-age Western Australian story starring Shantae Barnes-Cowan (Total Control, Upright) as 16-year-old Indigenous girl, Murra.
“We are so pleased to see WA Indigenous filmmaker Jub Clerc up for CinefestOZ’s coveted film prize with her debut feature, Sweet As. Screenwest is proud to have supported this highly anticipated film through our West Coast Visions initiative. Congratulations Jub and team!” said Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO.
About the Prize Film finalists
Seriously Red – A vivacious, misguided redhead trades her 9-to-5 to become a Dolly Parton impersonator in Gracie Otto’s utterly enjoyable Australian comedy. Writer Krew Boylan stars alongside Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, Daniel Webber, Celeste Barber and Thomas Campbell.
Of An Age MIFF@CinefestOZ – In the Summer of 1999 an unexpected and intense twenty-four-hour romance blossoms between a young Serbian ballroom dancer and his dance partner’s older brother. A decade later the pair meet for a bittersweet reunion. Directed/written by Goran Stolevski and produced by Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings, the film stars Elias Anton, Thom Green and Hattie Hook.
Transfusion – After the loss of his wife, a former soldier is thrust into the criminal underworld to keep his son from being taken from him. Writer and director Matt Nable stars in the film, alongside Sam Worthington and Phoebe Tonkin.
Sweet As MIFF@CinefestOz – When all hope is lost, sometimes all it takes is to jump on a minibus with five strangers and trust the journey. Set in WA’s Pilbara, where writer/director Jub Clerc grew up, the film was produced by Liz Kearney and stars Shantae Barnes-Cowan, Tasma Walton, Mark Coles-Smith and Ngaire Pigram.
The full program will be released on Friday, 22 July.
CinefestOZ 2022 runs from Tuesday, 23 August to Sunday, 28 August in locations across Busselton, Margaret River, Bunbury and Augusta. Earlybird tickets are on sale now at cinefestoz.
CinefestOZ is supported by Screenwest and Lotterywest through the Audience and Community Engagement Fund.
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