CinefestOz Film Festival 2026

CinefestOZ rolls out the red carpet again for the 19th year and welcomes cinema lovers to the Southwest to immerse themselves in Western Australia’s premier screen culture event. 

The Festival Program has officially landed and unveils more than 100 incredible Aussie films and unforgettable events across 10 days.

Highlights include:

• FILM PRIZE FINALISTS & EVENTS
  Four Film Prize Finalist films make their Western Australian Premiere to compete for Australia's largest annual film prize of $100,000, dedicated to the very best in home-grown Australian filmmaking and storytelling. 
  Each title hosts a glamorous red carpet screening and afterparty - plus exclusive post-screening live in-conversations with the filmmakers, cast and crew.
  
  A distinguished and high-profile Jury Panel of screen industry leaders and legends will select the winning film, with the winner revealed at the Film Prize Gala.
  
   
  
  
• CINESNAPS SCHOOL PROGRAM GRAND FINALE
  Celebrate the creativity of WA's emerging filmmakers at the Cinesnaps Student Short Film Competition Grand Finale. Inspired by this year's theme, Reflect, students from across regional Western Australia have created thought-provoking media works exploring the people, places, experiences and ideas that shape them.  Join local students for a special red carpet premiere and awards presentation celebrating the next generation of Australian storytellers.
  
   
  
  
• SHORT FILM PROGRAM
  Enjoy a cornucopia of the best of new Australian short filmmaking, presented in themed sets across the festival. Themes include Proper Loved Up (Romantic Comedy), Deadly Shorts (First Nations), Once Upon a Time in the West (WA Made), The Bad & the Beautiful (Drama), Some Like It Hot (Comedy), The Next Generation (Student), Horror in the Viewing Room (Horror) and Mulled Wine Monday (Women in Film)
  
  
  
  
• FIRST NATIONS DEADLY EVENTS PROGRAM
  Deadly events celebrate the richness of First Nations storytelling through a vibrant program of film, music, dance, art, culture and community. These free events shine a spotlight on the extraordinary talents of First Nations filmmakers, artists, performers and storytellers, creating a welcoming space to connect, listen and celebrate together.
  
  
  
  
• SPECIAL EVENTS - BUSSELTON
  Opening Night
  Family Red Carpet
  Mulled Wine Monday
  Horror in the Viewing Room
  Music Video Mixtapes
  Karaoke Party
  Live Jury Breakfast
  The Big Dip Jetty Swim
  Blind Date with a French Film
  
  
  
  
• OFFICIAL SELECTION FILMS A-Z
  Discover the stories that make up the heart of the 2026 program, bringing together an outstanding lineup of stories, celebrating the depth, diversity and creativity of filmmaking.  Alongside the CinefestOZ Film Prize and the rest of the program these screenings offer audiences the opportunity to experience compelling new stories, discover emerging voices, and celebrate acclaimed filmmakers from across the country. Browse the Official Selection A–Z and start planning your festival experience.
  
  
  
  
• INDUSTRY PROGRAM
  The CinefestOZ Industry Program is Western Australia's premier screen industry gathering, bringing together filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, streamers, commissioners and emerging creatives for two inspiring days of learning, collaboration and connection.
  
  

Choose from free community screenings, general admission film screenings, specialty events right through to Weekend, Industry or Access All Area Passes.  Browse the full schedule and program online as new sessions are added on demand. Book tickets or Festival Passes online or contact the Box Office team.

Proudly supported by the City of Busselton’s Event Sponsorship Program.

Start planning your CinefestOZ 2026 Festival

BOX OFFICE DATES & LOCATIONS