War, thrillers, surfing and international flavours feature in freshly launched CinefestOZ Albany 2024 program

Next month’s CinefestOZ Albany will feature a film shot on a farm on WA’s south coast and three others screening for the first time in WA as part of a packed four-day program.

The festival on Thursday launched its 2024 program, which will kick off in Albany next month, marking its fourth year.

Filmgoers will be treated to a celebration of visual storytelling, including screenings of Before Dawn, shot on a farm near Esperance, and the WA debuts of Sting, You Should have Been Here Yesterday and Housekeeping for Beginners, as well as eight other films.

CinefestOZ chief executive Cassandra Jordan said she was excited to share the program, which showcases Australian and international stories, including new films from Australia, France and Macedonia.

She said the program , which has been curated for Albany audiences and visitors to the region, is a celebration of local creatives and culture.

“Festival-goers will be able to choose films that match their mood and interests ... as well as mingling with local and visiting talent and learning more about the film industry,” she said.

Before Dawn, starring Levi Miller, Stephen Peacocke and Myles Pollard, tells the story of a WA soldier fighting in Belgium during World War I. It will screen on April 20, with the filmmakers hosting an ‘in conversation’ breakfast earlier in the day.

The day will also feature the documentary You Should Have Been Here Yesterday, which takes a nostalgic look at the golden age of Australian surfing.

Thriller-horror flick Sting, starring Ryan Corr and Noni Hazelhurst, will feature on April 19.

And winner of the 2023 Venice Film Festival’s prestigious Queer Lion Award, the drama Housekeeping for Beginners, will close the festival on April 21.

The festival will run April 18-21 and the full program is available on the CinefestOz website.