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.

WHAT'S ON WHEN?

Message from Minister for Tourism Industry Development, The Honourable Kate Jones MP

Welcome to Outback Queensland for the Winton's Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival 2018.

Festival goers will see a range of high quality films from Australia and around the world screened under the stars in a historic open-air theatre. This nine-day festival in the heart of the Australian outback will also offer masterclasses, location tours and Qantas’ short film competition for budding independent filmmakers.

Events play an important role in showcasing a destination, and this festival will attract many visitors from outside Outback Queensland, providing an economic boost for the region, supporting local jobs and strengthening community pride.

Winton's Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival 2018 celebrates the best of Queensland and promises an iconic experience for visitors.

The Palaszczuk Government recognises that events drive Queensland’s tourism economy and we are proud to support this event through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Destination Events Program.

Thank you to the event organisers, volunteers, and those who have come together to deliver the Winton's Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival 2018 for Queensland. For those visiting I encourage you to explore the region and come away with some great Outback Queensland memories.

The Hon. Kate Jones, MP
Minister for Tourism Industry Development

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.