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CinefestOz Film Festival 2025

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Since 2008, CinefestOZ has captivated the South West and West Australia with an exciting line-up of World and WA premieres, In Conversation dining events and Short Film Sets, along with its free Deadly Days, Cinesnaps School Program and Industry Program.

CinefestOZ Film Festival was founded by locals David Barton and Helen Shervington as a cultural celebration of the French bicentenary of Antipodean exploration of the South West corner of Western Australia, and the many French place names in use today. A not-for-profit CinefestOZ Board came together with a strong and enthusiastic purpose to start the Festival. This year, CinefestOZ celebrates 18 years and its lineup includes previews of West Australian made films along with World and WA premieres, In Conversation dining events and Short Film Sets, along with its free Deadly Days, Cinesnaps School Program and Industry Program. CinefestOZ events are held in the region from Aug 30 to Sept 7 2025.

Here are our picks from the line up including the southwest party of the year, Film Prize Celebration Gala Night on Sept 6th.

OPENING NIGHT | JIMMY BARNES – WORKING CLASS MAN

From the excess and success of Cold Chisel to the ups and downs of his solo years, this documentary is a spellbinding and searingly honest reflection of Jimmy Barnes’s success, fame and addiction. Thrilling highs and terrifying lows are all told through Jimmy’s eyes with his trademark honesty and insight. This is a story about how it’s never too late to try to put things right, and just when you thought the biggest dramas of life were all behind you, a final hurdle awaits.  Join the film’s makers and talent walk the red carpet, includes a welcome drink and light catering before the screening. Q&A with film crew after the screening.

When: Sat, 30 Aug 2025, 06:00 pm at Margaret River HEART – Nala Bardip Mia | Main Theatre.


OPENING NIGHT | MYSTERY ROAD: ORIGIN

Headlining the festival is a special preview of locally made second series of MYSTERY ROAD: ORIGIN (Episode 1 & 2). A crime set in the fading timber town of Loch Iris unlocked by newcomer Jay Swan. As he pieces together the crime and secrets of the town, his relationship is threatened.  Join the film’s makers and talent to walk the red carpet, includes a welcome drink and Q&A with film crew after the screening.  

When: Sat, 30 Aug 2025, 05:00 pm at Orana Cinema Busselton | Combination Cinema


WORLD PREMIER OF POINTE

A gripping documentary about Australian dancer and choreographer, Floeur Alder, daughter of ballet luminaries Lucette Aldous and Alan Alder.

When: Sun, 31 Aug 2025, 05:30 pm at Orana Cinema Busselton | Combination Cinema


MADAME DE SÉVIGNÉ

A film set in 17th century where Marquise de Sévigné aims to make her daughter brilliant and independent, but her controlling ways backfires.

When: Mon, 1 Sept 2025, 11:30 am at Margaret River HEART – Nala Bardip Mia | Main Theatre AND Wed, 3 Sept 2025, 06:30 pm at Orana Cinema Busselton | Cinema 1


FILM PRIZE CELEBRATION | GALA NIGHT

The Film Prize GALA CELEBRATION is CinefestOZ’s premier evening event, full of glamour, drama, an unforgettable spectacle not to be missed. Walk the red carpet alongside Australia’s top filmmaking talent, witness the prestigious Screen Legend Award presentation, and be there as the coveted $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize is announced.

When: Sat, 6 Sept 2025, 06:30 pm at Sabina River Farm


To view the full CinefestOZ 2025 program and book, click here. To reserve your accommodation, click here or call us on +61 (0) 8 9750 1200 and speak to our wonderful reception team about suitable rooms and drivers and transport in the area.

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