CinefestOZ film festival welcomes Margaret Buswell as new chair

South West businesswoman Margaret Buswell has been appointed chair of one of Australia’s biggest film festivals — CinefestOZ.

Ms Buswell has been deputy chair of the famous film festival and a familiar face in the South West.

She takes over from departing chair and co-founder Helen Shervington, who said she was delighted to see Ms Buswell step into the role.

“Margaret has been the CinefestOZ deputy chair for the past six years and has greatly contributed to the way our festival has evolved,” she said.

“Margaret has very strong connections with our South West and regional host communities and brings a wealth of experience to the role through her accounting background and tourism business.”

Ms Buswell has been part of CinefestOz since 2011 and has been a business leader in the South West for three decades.

She said she had a deep appreciation for Ms Shervington’s work building up the local film festival.

“(Helen Shervington’s) vision and leadership have seen the festival flourish and grow into the largest Destination film festival in Australia,” she said.

“During her six years as chair, CinefestOZ was inducted into the Tourism Council WA Hall of Fame and is a finalist in the upcoming National Tourism Awards.”

CinefestOZ will return this year in Albany next month, with Busselton’s film week premiering in August.