CinefestOz calls for volunteers to join the annual festival

Preparations for the region’s highly anticipated CinefestOZ have ramped up, with organisers on the hunt for volunteers to help bring the festival to life. Now in its 14th year, organisers will be calling on hundreds of volunteers to tackle a variety of roles to ensure the event is as successful as in previous years. CinefestOZ deputy chair Margaret Buswell said the “movie crew” was as important to the film festival as the filmmakers and actors. Volunteer positions on offer include film hosts, event crew, bar attendants, ushers, hospitality crew, festival promoters, and VIP hosts and drivers. The call for volunteers comes as the State Government honours its election promise to inject more than $100 million into the WA film industry to keep events such as CinefestOZ going. With $16m for a WA screen fund to encourage film production in the State’s regions, last year also brought a commitment of $100m for a new WA film studio and production facility in Fremantle and a $20m commitment to a screen attraction fund to strengthen and develop the local film industry. The CinefestOZ Film Prize is Australia's richest film prize — at $100,000 — and is awarded to an Australian feature film displaying excellence in the craft of filmmaking. Tourism Minister David Templeman encouraged people to get involved in the five-day annual event, whether it be through volunteering or simply attending and supporting local filmmakers. “There is no question that Western Australia offers filmmakers an array of unique and stunning landscapes, as well as an enviable host of local talent,” he said. “This celebration shines a light on our WA film industry, with local productions playing an important role in promoting our State to audiences far and wide.” The festival has more than 200 free and ticketed screen-related events in about 40 locations including local wineries, galleries, cinemas and small bars. For more information and to sign up to volunteer, visit cinefestoz.com.au.