Bunbury’s summer film festival kicks off

International and Australian films will grace the screen at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre when the new and improved Summer Film Festival is launched tonight.

Centre general manager Sharon Custers says the wide variety of films screened over the next five weekends is sure to please.

“We searched the globe for the best films coming out of the 2016 film festivals around Australia and internationally, ensuring we have something for everyone’s taste, from award-winning drama and documentaries to side-splitting comedy.”

The festival has been running for more than 15 years, but was sidelined when technological advances had to be made.

“When the old 35mm projector became obsolete, we had to put it on hold until we could raise the funds to install a cinema quality DCP projector,” she said.

“This year will be the launch of a new style of Summer Film Festival in our brand new BREC Cinema.”

Nine films were selected from France, Italy, Iran, the USA and UK as well as Australia, including the CinefestOZ winner Girl Asleep.

Ms Custers emphasised the importance of community events, with Act Belong Commit announced as the principal partner this year.

“Festivals are a very important part of community life, not just for the audience, but for the volunteers who work tirelessly to bring that enjoyment to the community,” she said.

“The message of Act Belong Commit is to get involved in the things that are happening in your community – don’t let time just slide by.

“With over 50 volunteers involved in the Summer Film Festival this year, we are all about embracing those opportunities.”

Ms Custers believes this year will be the best yet and wouldn’t be surprised if the event attracted around 2000 people.

“We are really excited about this year’s Summer Film Festival and we can’t wait to see how it grows over the coming years.”