Screen Queensland is proud to support the Vision Splendid Outback
Film Festival which commences tonight until Saturday 4 July in Winton, Queensland.
Now in its sophomore year, the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival
is a ten-day festival celebration showcasing Australian classics that
have shaped the mythology of the outback.
The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival captures the essence of a
visit to outback Queensland – where the land and people tell
Australia’s story, under the stars, in one of the most iconic outback
towns in the country.
‘Screen Queensland’s Screen Culture funding program assists towns like
Winton in making film, skills workshops and visits by Australian and
international filmmakers accessible to outback Queensland and
encouraging tourism to these areas,’ said Screen Queensland CEO Tracey
Vieira.
‘Screen Queensland recognises the importance of providing regional and
remote Queenslanders access to films they would otherwise not have the
opportunity to see on the big screen.
‘We congratulate the Committee from the Winton Shire Council and
Winton Mayor “Butch” Lenton, festival director Mark Melrose and
programmer Dr Greg Dolgopolov.’
In the true outback spirit, the Winton community has shown their
resilience following last week’s fire at Winton’s famous tourist draw
card, the historical Waltzing Matilda Centre.
Screen Queensland is calling out to all Queenslanders to support this
festival and experience the history and beauty of this town.
Winton is the heart of outback Queensland where you can feel connected
to the Australian story, our rich heritage, the vast landscapes and
the characters that define this region.
‘Last year I had the pleasure of watching the film Tracks in the
open-air Royal Theatre in Winton and it remains one of my most
treasured movie experiences,’ said Ms Vieira.
‘I invite everyone to get out here, experience it for themselves and
live Australia’s story through this unique Festival in outback
Queensland.’
Tonight’s opening night film is the Queensland premiere of The Last
Cab to Darwin starring Michael Caton who will be attending the event
and joined by Festival Patron, Roy Billing, Mark Coles Smith and Gyton
Grantley.
Other special guests and activities at this year’s festival include:
the film producers of Beneath Hill 60, festival patron Bill Leimbach
and Ross Thomas; prop making workshops with production designer, Adam
Head; masterclass luncheon with Roy Billing on ‘The Business of
Acting’; and ‘Story Time’ with Rick Carlsson Chauvel, grandson of the
film industry legend, Charles Chauvel; photography and Acting 101
Workshops; Vision Splendid location tours; and special school holiday
activities. Screening highlights include The Babadook, a Mad Max
retrospective, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Water Diviner and
Paper Planes.
‘We are thrilled with the level of support from all levels of
government and in particular, the Queensland state government who has
pitched in with additional support to bring the festival to the
community of Winton,’ said festival director Mark Melrose.
‘As testament to the wider audience interest, we have received three
times the number of ticket sales as compared to last year.’
Screen Queensland is also holding an open session – Behind the Screens
with Screen Queensland.
To be held on Thursday 2 July at 9.30am at the Daphne Mayo Dining Room
at the North Gregory Hotel, Winton, participants can learn about the
state’s screen agency and its funding programs plus highlight the
production attraction area, film friendly councils and the Screen
Queensland app and database.
Screen Queensland recognises the importance of deeper engagement with
filmmakers in regional areas as well as promoting the region for film
production.
Ivan Sen’s contemporary western thriller, Goldstone, shot exclusively
in Middleton, from two hours west of Winton, and produced by David
Jowsey and Greer Simpkin from Bunya Productions recently wrapped in
the Winton Shire Council region. It injected money into the
drought-affected outback including construction, hardware,
transportation, accommodation, hospitality.
For further information on the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival
visit – visionsplendidfilmfest.com
For further information on Screen Queensland visit
screenqueensland.com.au
