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Stars to descend on Winton

The stars of the silver screen are about to descend on the tiny town of Winton in outback Queensland as it prepares for the opening night  premiere of Last Cab to Darwin.

Despite the tragic news of the Waltzing Matilda Centre fire in Winton last week, Winton’s true spirit is shining through with the excitement mounting in anticipation of the arrival of several actors and film industry dignitaries who are joining the celebrations at this year’s Vision Splendid festival and the announcement of an alternative day time venue of the Winton Shire Town Hall.

Opening night on Friday June 26 is the Queensland premiere of Jeremy Sims' Last Cab to Darwin. Its leading man Michael Caton will be joined by festival patron, Roy Billing, Mark Coles Smith and Underbelly and House Husbands star Gyton Grantley

Opening night will include the opening party at the North Gregory Hotel, and breakfast with the stars the following morning.

Other special guests and activities at this year’s festival include the film producers of Beneath Hill 60, 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 film industry legend Charles Chauvel.

Behind the Screens with Screen Queensland, photography and acting 101 workshops, Vision Splendid location tours and special school holiday activities are some of the other activities in this year’s program.

“We’re looking forward to a great event and it’s with great pleasure we announce an alternate venue for our daytime screenings as the Winton Shire Town Hall. Our evening screenings will remain as per the program, under the stars in the open air Royal Theatre,"" said festival director Mark Melrose.

“We can’t thank the people of Winton enough for the support they have shown and will be holding a special charity screening in the Winton Shire Town Hall during the festival to start raising funds for the Waltzing Matilda Centre."

For discounted tickets, program and where to stay visit www.visionsplendidfilmfest.com