Rio Tinto : extends CinefestOZ partnership to 2020

Rio Tinto today announced a new three-year partnership with CinefestOZ aimed at helping the highly successful film festival to expand.

The contribution from Rio Tinto as the festival's new community programme partner, valued at $555,000 will ensure the continued growth of the Cinesnaps Schools Program, bolster support for local volunteers - known as the Movie Crew - and promote the IndigifestOZ Program.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury said 'We're very proud to extend our successful partnership with CinefestOZ to 2020 and support economic and social opportunities in WA's South West region.'

CinefestOZ chief executive officer Malinda Nixon said 'Rio Tinto's ongoing support has helped CinefestOZ develop important community programs which really form the backbone of the festival.

'We, like Rio Tinto, are very much a part of our community, and it is the work we are able to achieve with schools, our Indigenous film program and our incredible Movie Crew volunteers that give CinefestOZ integrity and longevity.'

The festival will transform the South West into a film lover's paradise, filled with Australian and Western
Australian premieres celebrated with a gala, red carpet event and filmmaker insights across WA region's cinemas, wineries, small bars and galleries.

The CinefestOZ Film Festival launches today and runs until Sunday 27 August 2017.

To find out more or book your tickets now at www.cinefestoz.com

Notes to the editor

• Since 2008, Rio Tinto has supported the Cinesnaps Schools Program to engage more than 20,000 students through excursions, workshops and professional development across Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River
• Attendance has increased from 1,800 in 2008 to 25,000 last year, with more than $2.7 million delivered to the South West as a result of the festival.