URGENT UPDATE: The highly anticipated locally produced survival thriller We Bury the Dead will premiere tonight at the CinefestOZ Film Prize event in Western Australia. This gripping film, alongside Birthright, stands as a finalist for the prestigious $100,000 Film Prize, the largest award dedicated to Australian feature films.
The premiere screening kicks off at 7:00 PM AWST today, with a second showing of Birthright on Friday evening. The exciting announcement of the winner will take place on September 6, 2025, as the Film Prize Jury attends red carpet events throughout the week.
Filmed in Albany and the breathtaking Great Southern region of Western Australia, We Bury the Dead has already made a significant economic impact, returning an estimated $9.3 million to the local economy. This underscores the Cook Government’s commitment to boosting the screen industry, creating jobs, and diversifying the economy.
The film is one of four finalists competing for the coveted prize, alongside Songs Inside and One More Shot. The production of We Bury the Dead received crucial support from the Cook Government through the WA Regional Screen Fund and other incentive programs designed to enhance the local industry.
Comments from Simone McGurk, Minister for Creative Industries, highlight the film’s importance:
“The Cook Government is investing in our local screen industry, which aims to build Western Australian regional capacity and contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of our communities.”
Meanwhile, Stephen Dawson, Minister for Regional Development, emphasized the film’s impact on regional towns, stating,
“We Bury the Dead returned approximately $3.1 million to regional towns, showcasing how productions create opportunities for local artists while attracting tourism benefits.”
As excitement builds for tonight’s premiere, the local community awaits the announcement of which film will take home the top prize. The stakes are high, with filmmakers and audiences eager to see how We Bury the Dead and its competitors will shape the future of the Western Australian screen industry.
Stay tuned for live updates and reactions as the CinefestOZ Film Prize unfolds, and discover how local films like We Bury the Dead are making a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Western Australia.
