Hollywood actress Kate Walsh will walk the red carpet at the inaugural CinefestOZ Albany later this month.

The Grey’s Anatomy star will be among a number of film industry guests who will make the journey to the stunning Great Southern region especially for the Festival.

Walsh, who attended CinefestOZ in Busselton for the first time last year, will be joined in Albany by Australian actress Emily Rose Brenan and writer/producer Bec Bignell, who will present the world premiere of their Great Southern shot series Homespun, which will be showcased as a feature film on the Friday night of the Festival.

CinefestOZ Albany kicks off on 29 April with an Opening Night screening of the highly anticipated June Again, a heart-felt comedy directed by JJ Winlove and starring Noni Hazlehurst, Claudia Karvan and Stephen Curry. The Albany opening will include an introduction from the film’s producer Jamie Hilton, who will share some behind-the- scenes moments with the audience.

Other special guests attending CinefestOZ Albany include Esperance aerial photographer and cinematographer Jaimen Hudson who will present the inspiring documentary From Sky to Sea about his quest to become the world’s first underwater cinematographer with quadriplegia.

Hudson, a finalist for Young Australian of the Year for 2019, will also take part in the Cinesnaps Schools Program, alongside one of WA’s brightest rising stars Olivia Nardini, who will present screenings of her family-friendly flick Swimming for Goldand share her experience in the industry with students.

Students in the Great Southern can also look forward to screenings of Jasper Jonesand Q&A screenings of H is for Happiness with producer Tenille Kennedy. Kennedy will also share inside stories and anecdotes from the 2019 CinefestOZ Film Prize winning film as part of a special H is for Happiness Location Tour, which will take in some of the stunning locations featured in the popular family movie.

Producer Jodie Bell will take part in a special Q&A screening of Doug the Human as part of the Indigenous Showcase, while writer-producer Brooke Collard will introduce her short Aboriginal Warrior during the Short Film Showcase on Closing Night.

Award-winning landscape and unit stills photographer and film tourism expert Ian Brodie, who put together a resources and locations guide for H is for Happiness, will also be a special guest at the Industry Spotlight: Role of Film in Tourism event.

Making its debut this year, CinefestOZ Albany will allow a new audience of film lovers to experience a taste of what those in the South West have been enjoying for the past 13 years.

Just like CinefestOZ, the Albany edition will continue to champion Australian stories and film through a packed festival program which includes seven features and 12 short films, the Cinesnaps schools program and an Industry Program session.

Other films in the program include Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra, French Exit, The Greenhouse, Jaimen Hudson: From Sky to Sea, Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharksand Phil Liggett: The Voice of Cycling.

Community Screenings will provide an opportunity to enjoy some great Australian films for free at Albany’s historic Town Hall, in the heart of the city, while Closing Night will boast six films including Carmentis, winner of the inaugural CinefestOZ Short Film Prize in 2020.

CinefestOZ Albany will take place in the region’s cinemas and picturesque venues, including the city’s recently refurbished Town Hall, which will serve as the Festival Hub. CinefestOZ’s strong partnership with Orana Cinemas will also continue through to CinefestOZ Albany.

CinefestOZ Albany thanks Major Partner City of Albany, Partners Screenwest and Rio Tinto.
 

TICKET INFORMATION
Albany Cinepass
To fully immerse yourself in the CinefestOZ Albany experience, secure your seat to all events and screenings through the Albany Cinepass.  This pass guarantees a ticket to the Opening Night event, H is for Happiness Film Locations Tour, In Conversation lunch, Closing Night and all feature and short film screenings. 
 
Please note: this pass is valid for specific sessions and conditions. Limited passes are available.  Please check the website for full details.
 
For more information visit www.cinefestoz
 
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