The Vision - Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival

Our Vision

This iconic town in the heart of the Australian outback is the birthplace of QANTAS. Its reputation as “Hollywood in the Outback” is emerging with several major film productions including Nick Cave’s Proposition and Ivan Sen’s "Mystery Road" and "Goldstone" being filmed here, and producer Bill Leimbach commencing filming of the Australian epic feature film, Waltzing Matilda. Most recently the History Channel filmed a Texan documentary in the Winton Shire for a new mini-series.

The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival is inspired by the Sundance Film Festival. It is an incorporated, non-profit organisation developed by the passion and drive of the Winton community and brought to you thanks to our visionary partners. The festival pays tribute to our founding chairperson, Butch Lenton, who lead the event from inception.

Behind the Screen

The Festival Committee

President:

Mayor Gavin Baskett – Winton Shire Council

Secretary:

Nicole Bond – ABC Western Queensland

Treasurer:

Clive Kitchen – North Gregory Hotel

Members:

Lyn Fraser – Arts Council

Robyn Stephens – Manager, Outback Festival

John Elliot – Tourism and Events Manager, Winton Shire Council

Peter Evert – Royal Open Aired Theatre

Bill Leimbach – Producer Beneath Hill 60

Peter Lewis – Way With Words

Peter Homan – General Manager, Outback Queensland Tourism Association

Peter O’Regan – Principle, O’Regan and Partners

Trevor Love – Principle, Aussafe

Sallyanne Atkinson – Former Lord Mayor Brisbane City Council

We pay a special tribute to our founding chairperson, Butch Lenton - "Mate a reserved seat in the Royal Theatre remains for you always"

The Festival Team

Mark Melrose (Festival Director)

Has a passion for events and has spent 18 years in the entertainment industry. He has worked on large scale events throughout his career. As an event professional he has been involved in concerts, sporting events, festivals, charity fundraisers, and other large scale events.

Dr Greg Dolgopolov (Curator and Creative Director)

Founder and director of the Russian Film Festival. NIDA graduate and lecturer in the Film University of New South Wales. Greg has travelled and been part of many film festivals world wide, he is a genuine film festival fanatic with a true sense for Australian film.