FAMILIES across Australia are being implored to make the trip to Winton for a true outback experience at the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival, starting tonight.
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The festival, held at one of only two remaining open-air cinemas in the country, will include a special charity screening to kick-start the fund-raising for the rebuilding of the town’s historic Waltzing Matilda Centre, which was destroyed by fire last week.
Tonight’s opening will feature the Queensland premiere of Last Cab to Darwin along with the film’s leading man, Michael Caton, who will be joined by festival patron, Roy Billing, actor Mark Coles Smith and Underbelly and House Husband’s star Gyton Grantley.
“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,” festival director Mark Melrose said.
“Of course our evening screenings will remain as per the program, under the stars in the open air Royal Theatre.”
“We can’t thank the people of Winton enough for the support they have shown and will hold a special charity screening in the Winton Shire Town Hall during the festival to start raising funds for the Waltzing Matilda Centre.”
The festival’s artistic director Greg Dolgopolov said the success of last year’s inaugural event prompted organisers to think outside the square for 2015.
“We have a combination of absolutely brand new Australian films that engage with the theme of the outback, forgotten classics, charming children’s and family entertainment, a night of horror and a Mad Max movie marathon featuring the just released, Mad Max Fury Road,” he said.
Winton Mayor Butch Lenton said the festival was a significant economy booster for the town.
“The festival is not only culturally significant for this region, but a crucial element for the economic survival of Winton and outback Queensland,” he said.
Member for Mount Isa Rob Katter is also looking forward to visiting Winton for the festival.
“If people want to help (after the fire at Waltzing Matilda Centre), the best way is to come and visit to help the local economy recover and see the town,” he said.
“Winton still has a huge amount to offer to Queensland with attractions like the Age of Dinosaurs, Winton’s Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum and the newly-renovated Lark Quarry which will re-open shortly.”
The festival runs until July 4. For more information, go to: visionsplendidfilmfest.com