CinefestOZ Film Festival

The China Australia Film Collaboration (CAFC) was launched on August 26th during CinefestOZ 2015 at Parliament House, Perth, Western Australia, with the signing of Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) by event partners the China Film Producers’ Association, Australia China Business Council (WA), ScreenWest and CinefestOZ.

A business-to-business event, the CAFC brought together representatives of China and Australia’s production and film financing companies.

The inaugural two-day event was held in Bunbury on 27-28 August 2015, coinciding with the CinefestOZ Film Festival.

Panels and key speakers explored trends, networks, protocols, government policy, critical pathways, investment drivers and audience expectations for both Australian and China screen industries.

Mr Wang Fenglin, Vice President and Secretary General, China Film Producers Association said the organisation sought to strengthen ties with Australia through the CAFC. “We are delighted to be in Western Australia to help develop relationships between filmmakers and film financiers from both countries. Our ultimate aim is for this to lead to co-productions being undertaken,” he said.

Mr Adam Handley, President WA Branch, Australia China Business Council said “The signing of the MOUs set a strong foundation between Australia and China’s screen industries. We look forward to this being the start of a long, productive partnership.”

Mr Ian Booth, Chief Executive, ScreenWest said the CAFC event would foster cultural and creative exchanges, as well as business outcomes.

“China is a growing market, and Australia has much to offer by way of highly skilled creatives and crew, diverse locations and Government support,” Mr Booth said. "We aim to broaden understanding of the processes and opportunities available in both countries, and our anticipation is that this will lead to production partnerships between Chinese and Western Australian production companies."

Mr David Barton, CinefestOZ Chair, said the film festival had included China – Australia films, seminars and guests for the past three years. “The CAFC will build on what we have done in recent years and provide a formal China Australia focus. We are proud to bring together key players from both countries to help develop and grow the screen industry. We are purposely targeting experienced film producers and financiers as participants and by limiting the number attending are ensuring people will have the maximum opportunity to build fruitful relationships. We look forward to showing our Chinese guests Western Australia’s beautiful South West.”

Following the CAFC event, delegates took part in the CinefestOZ Film Festival in Busselton and tour the region, including looking at the diversity of film locations.

-taken from official CinefestOZ press release- -Edited by Vanessa McMahon-