The CinefestOZ Film Festival continues throughout the weekend as the film industry, tourists and cinema-lovers descend on the hubs in Busselton, Margaret River and Bunbury.
This year's festival consists of 270 film and event options at more than 35 venues throughout the South West, screenings and activities will continue across the weekend, including a community event at the Busselton Tennis Centre as part of IndigifestOZ on Saturday August 28.
On Friday night, actress Isla Fisher walked the red carpet in Busselton and joined her fellow jurors for the world premiere of River, and Here Out West which are two of the films in the running for the $100,000 Film Prize.
She was joined by Rove McManus, who is hosting this year's Gala Night, and Australian actress Tasma Walton.
On Thursday, eight talented students from the South West region marked the start of their film career night when they snagged the two top spots in CinefestOZ's 2021 Cinesnaps Short Film Competition with films created on this year's theme of "Treasure".
Cape Naturaliste College students Aiden Gillett and Jake Holland - with their short film Treasure Heist (year 10 to 12 category) - and Harvey Senior High students Jorja Plant, Chloe Basten, Brooklyn Kiddie, Ty Guretti, Liam Thomas and Neve Mullinger- with their short film Treasure (year 7 to 9 category) - emerged triumphant after screening their work an enthusiastic audience including distinguished industry professionals at The Esplanade in Busselton.
Australian actor Joel Jackson chaired the Cinesnaps Jury this year, alongside producer Cody Greenwood and videographer Jaimen Hudson.
Jackson said Cinesnaps was probably the only youth competition at a major film festival in Australia and that recognition goes a very long way in giving these kids the ambition and dedication they need for taking the next steps in their career.
"Regardless of the outcome, each of the stories told by these kids is important. Each of their stories matter and what they are doing is telling a part of their community and that's fantastic," he said.
"With the studios that are coming to Fremantle and Perth, and making West Australia a massive hub for storytelling in the State and indeed the Country, these kids are going to be the crew, the starting fledglings that bring those stories to life."
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At the Opening Gala event in Busselton, producer Greer Simpkin walked the red carpet to showcase the film The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson.
On Tuesday night the stunning surf documentary Facing Monsters opened at the Margaret River HEART as a world premiere to a sold out crowd. Enigmatic free surfer Kerby Brown attended alongside the filmmakers and local cinema-goers.
To checkout what's happening throughout the festival please visit cinefestoz.com/.
