Ewe beauty, Rams opens Ozfest

The highly anticipated WA film Ramswill open CinefestOz next month with early-bird tickets for the festival now on sale.

Rams, directed by Jeremy Sims and starring Sam Neill, Miranda Richardson and CinefestOz favourite Michael Caton, will screen at a special opening night launch at Orana Cinemas in Busselton on August 26.

The event will include an introduction from the film’s producer Aidan O’Bryan, who will share behind-the-scenes moments, followed by a celebratory after-party.

Rams is set in remote WA, and stars Neill and Caton as estranged brothers Colin and Les who are at war.

Raising separate flocks of sheep descended from their family’s prized bloodline, the two men work side by side yet are worlds apart.

When Les’ prize ram is diagnosed with a rare and lethal illness, authorities order a purge of every sheep in the valley.

While Colin attempts to stealthily outwit the powers that be, Les opts for angry defiance.

The movie sees the warring brothers struggle to set aside their differences and have a chance to reunite their family, save their herd, and bring the community back together.

Tickets for the Rams opening night go on sale today along with 10 other events from the CinefestOz program. The full program will be announced on July 31.

For the first time in CinefestOz’s 13-year history, the festival will include a Short Film Competition.

Short film finalists vying for the festival’s highest honours will have their work screened at a special event on Saturday, August 29 at Margaret River Heart.

Presentations will be made for the Best Short Film, Best Indigenous Short Film, Best WA Short Film, Best WA Female Short Filmmakers, Best Lead Actor, Best Director and Audience Choice.

For ticket information visit cinefestoz.com.