WIFT Australia x CinefestOZ Writers’ Retreat

Established in 2021, the WIFT Australia x CinefestOZ Writers’ Retreat is a free program designed to support emerging and established screenwriters amongst the beautiful South West region of Western Australia.

Taking place this year from Friday 29 August to Wednesday 3 September 2025, the retreat provides participants with the space and time they need to further the development of a scripted screen project they are currently the Sole or Lead writer for.

At the conclusion of the retreat, participants received a complimentary pass to attend the two-day CinefestOZ Industry Program from Thursday 4 to Friday 5 September 2025. The CinefestOZ Industry Program is the festival’s annual professional conference consisting of workshops, events and networking drinks with industry guests.

Expressions of Interest

Updated guidelines and the application form for this year’s retreat will be released soon. If you’d like to find out more about this year’s program, please submit an expression of interest via the form below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • The retreat is open to female and gender-diverse screenwriters who are members of WIFT Australia. Applicants can be emerging or established writers working in any scripted format, including film, TV, online, or hybrid.

  • No. You just need to have a scripted project in development. This can be at concept, outline, treatment, or draft stage. The retreat is designed to support writers in progressing their work.

  • The 2025 retreat runs from Friday 29 August to Friday 5 September in Busselton, Western Australia, during the 2025 CinefestOZ Film Festival.

  • Regarded as Australia’s premier destination film festival by the filmmakers and film-lovers alike, CinefestOZ is Australia’s equivalent to Cannes Film Festival.

    Taking place this year from 30 August 2025 to 7 September 2025 across Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, and Margaret River, the festival delivers immersive film experiences in the region’s cinemas, wineries, boutique breweries, small bars and galleries.

    Its annual Industry Program features leading screen industry guests participating in workshops, panels, in-depth discussions, and VIP networking events.

    • Accommodation, meals, and local transport

    • One-on-one mentoring with a creative development consultant

    • Access to daily group reflections and wellness activities

    • A complimentary pass to the CinefestOZ Industry Program (4–5 Sept)

    • Invitations to exclusive networking events

    • A ticket to the Screenwest supported Creative Development Workshop on Wednesday 3 Sept

  • There is no cost to attend the retreat if selected. All major expenses, including accommodation, meals, and programming and flights for interstate participants, are covered thanks to our partners.

  • A small cohort of up to four participants will be selected to ensure each writer receives tailored, high-impact support and mentoring. Two places are reserved for West Australian members.

  • Yes. The retreat is open to WIFT Australia members nationally and thanks to our partners Minderoo Pictures, this year we are delighted that we can cover the cost of flights and group transport for our interstate participants.

Testimonials

  • “The retreat gave me the chance to attend CinefestOz for the first time and facilitate relationships with people that I otherwise wouldn’t have met. Would do it all again if I could!"

    Lisette McAllister - 2021 Retreat

  • "To have the support of WIFT WA, CinefestOZ, Miley, Maya, the U.S Consulate, individual mentors tailored to our projects, and so much more over the course of the week was unlike any other mentorship opportunity I've had."

    Annabel Maclean - 2021 Retreat

  • “The opportunity to have dedicated time to explore my script Marmalade coupled with rich discussion and mentorship was an absolute gift."

    Dr Veronica Wain - 2024 Retreat