Intro
Media release
Photo: World premiere of POINTE Dancing on a Knife's Edge at CinefestOZ 2025. Image courtesy of CinefestOz
As WA strengthens its position as a major destination for screen production both nationally and internationally, CinefestOz will continue to be a major tourism event and yearly cornerstone on the screen industry's calendar.
Returning on 29 August to 6 September 2026, the annual festival plays a vital role in showcasing Australian film against the stunning backdrop of regional WA, demonstrating the State's acting talent, stories and world-class locations to national and global audiences.
This investment in screen culture ensures the festival can continue to deliver strong outcomes aligned with the WA Screen Industry Strategy — supporting skills development, industry connections and pathways for local practitioners, while strengthening regional creative economies.
Since its inception in 2008, CinefestOz has grown into a year-round organisation supporting the next generation of storytellers through initiatives such as the Cinesnaps School Program, Industry Program, and community events including Deadly Days.
Over the next four years, the festival will receive $2.6 million in funding, providing long-term certainty to support sustainable growth, future planning and expanded industry impact that will put Western Australia firmly on the map as a place to create, collaborate, and invest.
CinefestOz continues to deliver significant cultural and economic benefits, with last year's festival attracting more than 29,000 attendees and featuring over 200 screenings of 104 films, creating opportunities for local creatives while driving visitation and tourism across the region.
This investment supports the Made in WA Plan, which is diversifying the economy and creating new jobs across the State's fast-growing creative industries.
By strengthening flagship creative industries events like CinefestOz, the State Government is continuing to grow a vibrant, sustainable screen sector that attracts productions, grows local capability and shares Western Australian stories with the world.
The funding builds on the Government's strong track record of support for CinefestOz, including $900,000 through the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program to deliver the 2024 and 2025 South West festivals, a one-off boost of $170,750 was provided in February 2025 and $621,000 was provided for this year's Festival.
Photo: 2025 CinefestOZ Industry Conference. Image courtesy of CinefestOz.
Visit the media hub to contact the media team.
Media hub