Australian actor David Wenham has been named as the new chair of the CinefestOZ 2015 Film Prize jury.
CinefestOZ 2015 will premiere feature films and host 40 community and industry events.
The prizemoney for this year's festival will be $100,000.
The festival will be held in the cinemas, wineries, small bars, galleries and libraries of Busselton, Bunbury, Dunsborough and the Margaret River wine region from August 26 to 30.
Tourism Minister Kim Hames said Wenham's national and global reputation in film, television and stage made him an excellent choice to chair this year’s jury.
“Last year’s inaugural CinefestOZ Film Prize went to Paper Planes which starred David Wenham, so it’s a good fit to have him heading up the jury to decide this year’s prize, the richest in the Australian film industry,” he said.
“This sort of recognition and State Government funding not only supports the local film industry but also helps lift the festival’s national and international profile and promotes Western Australia.
“Of the $8.6 billion visitors spent in WA in 2014, $3.8 billion was spent in regional WA.
"We want to see that grow to $4.75 billion in the next five years and attractive regional events, amenities and access are key to that goal.”
CinefestOZ, which features films with an Australian or French connection, is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program.
It is funded by Royalties for Regions. Thirty-three Australian films have entered the 2015 prize competition and shortlisted films will be announced mid-July.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said events helped build local businesses by providing incentive for people to travel throughout the State.
“CinefestOZ has grown to be one of the most anticipated events in the South-West and I’m delighted that it’s made possible through Royalties for Regions investment,” he said.
“Regional events deliver social and economic benefits to local communities, supporting existing businesses and encouraging diversity in new ones.”