South West teens showcased on CinefestOZ big screen as part of the Cinesnaps Short Film Competition

Topping the masses of young filmmakers across the State, 12 South West teenagers will have their short films showcased at this year’s CinefestOZ. The teens make up five groups of local students who made it as film finalists in the 2021 Cinesnaps Short Film Competition, set to be part of the full festival program next month. Three groups of students from Great Southern Grammar also made the finals, all of which will be included in the Red Carpet Grand Finale Event on August 26. Now in its ninth year, the competition invites students to create and showcase an original three- to five-minute short film based on the year’s theme, Treasure. CinefestOZ chief executive Malinda Nixon said this year had the most entries seen by the film festival. “It’s sensational to see so many students from these regions interested in film and we can’t wait to screen their work at the festival next month,” she said. The short film competition is part of the Cinesnaps School Program which offers students the chance to engage with renowned filmmakers and industry professionals. This year’s short films will be viewed by film professionals such as The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson director Leah Purcell, Cannes Film Festival award-winning director Justin Kurzel and screenwriter Shaun Grant. The eight films will be judged by an expert jury panel and winners will be announced in the coming weeks.