THE small town of Winton may be in the grips of a devastating drought, but this has not weakened the proud spirit of the town and their determination to stage a film festival like no other from the June 26 to July 4.
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The just released festival program for ‘The Vision Spendid – Outback Film Festival’ includes contemporary, classic and award winning films inspired by the Aussie outback. Each night films are screened under the stars in the historic open-air Royal Theatre, one of only two remaining such theatres in Australia.
By day films are screened at the Sarah Riley Theatre in Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre. The festival also features masterclasses, special events, conversations, tours, the Qantas Short-Film Competition and the Qantas Paper Plane Competition.
The Festival will premiere Reg Cribb and Jeremy Sim’s Last Cab to Darwin starring Michael Caton who will be in attendance at the opening night party and the Breakfast with the Stars the following morning.
Artistic Director, Dr Greg Dolgopolov said that following the success of last year’s inaugural festival they really needed to do something special this year.
“We have a combination of absolutely brand new Australian films that engage with the theme of the outback, forgotten classics, charming children’s and family entertainment, a night of horror and a Mad Max movie marathon featuring the just released, Mad Max Fury Road,” Dr Dolgopolov said.
“Tours to country are being held to locations featured in two of Winton’s most iconic films: Mystery Road and The Proposition. These screenings will be followed by tag-a-long driving tours to take audiences out to some of the incredibly scenic locations featured in these films,” he said.
Some of the best shorts films from around the country and from film festival partner, Griffith Film School and from community members will be vying for prizes as part of the Qantas Short Film Competition.
Films will be reviewed by a jury of film professionals in the first week of the festival to shortlist the submissions. Finalist films will be screened on Saturday night, July 4, at the Royal Open Air Theatre.
The Best Film will be awarded a Grand Jury Prize of $1000 cash in prize money and a special Audience Award will consist of $500 and a Sony Experia Z2 Tablet.
Festival Director, Mark Melrose said the festival is a not-for-profit incorporated association of local Winton representatives and film industry professionals keen to keep the spirit of Australian film and culture alive in the bush.
Winton Mayor, Cr Butch Lenton said the festival is not only culturally significant for this region, but a crucial element for the economic survival of Winton and outback Queensland.
For a program snapshot and information about Winton, visit www.visionsplendidfilmfest.com
