Winton, Australia’s very own ‘Outback Hollywood’ is getting ready to roll out their red carpet in June for the fourth annual Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival in celebration of outback inspired Australian films and the women who make them.
“The festival’s 2017 theme is Celebrating Women In Film,” explains Festival Creative Director, Dr Greg Dolgopolov – a senior lecturer in film at the University of New South Wales and NIDA graduate. “Our aim is to champion not only the achievements of women in the film industry but particularly women of the outback.”
The 2017 program aims to be a reflection of the growing successes of female filmmakers in the largely male-dominated Australian film industry, and the cultural impact they have had.
“We’ll also be exploring the latest in Virtual Reality and Special Effects and bringing the latest Australian films to be screened in this very special location,” added Dolgopolov. “The open air Royal Theatre is one of only two remaining in Australia. We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors and Australian film dignitaries to Winton this year.”
Opening on Friday 23 June, the festival will feature 9 days of masterclass luncheons with Australian film dignitaries, breakfast with the stars, tours of Winton’s well loved film locations, award winning live entertainment, a kids club and film screenings across three outback cinemas, including the Royal Theatre.
For those wanting to rub shoulders with the Aussie film talent the theatre is the place to be for opening night, followed by the official after party at the famous North Gregory Hotel – Winton’s grand old lady. “For the first time we’ve just released early bird season passes for 2017, which provide visitors the chance to see all films across the festival including opening night,” says Festival director, Mark Melrose.
Winton is located 178 kilometres north-west of Longreach; 470 kilometres south-east of Mount Isa and approximately 1,350 kilometres from Brisbane. Opal was found in Winton, her silica veins revealed in boulders, sparking a move west during the late 1800s.
Winton is also the birthplace of QANTAS, Banjo Patterson’s famous Waltzing Matilda, and the home of Australia’s dinosaurs. A unique town with a population of less than 1,000 people, Winton is always ready with a warm country welcome. It is the town’s rich history and iconic landscapes that continually entice visitors to this remarkable Outback Queensland location.
“Winton has been coined ‘Outback Hollywood’ due to the number of feature films, documentaries and music videos made in the region,“ said Winton Mayor, Butch Lenton. “Our vast open landscapes, although harsh and rugged, are surprisingly colourful and dramatic and have inspired many a filmmaker.”
The 2017 Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival runs from Friday 23 June to Saturday 1 July. For more information, visit www.visionsplendidfilmfest.com for details.
Image: Winton – home to the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival