What Makes Vision Splendid So Special? A Volunteer’s Perspective
Jenny and husband Martin.
Jenny Stephensen’s Vision Splendid Story
Some people attend a festival once. Others come back every year. And then there are people like Jenny Stephensen, who arrived in Winton 11 years ago and, in her own words, was “smitten.”
A Friendship, a Film Club and a Journey West
Jenny first discovered Vision Splendid through a friend, Michael Brooks, the festival’s original projectionist and sound technician.
“I knew him from his Ciné Retro club in Brisbane,” she explains. “He knew I was a tragic cinéphile and suggested that I come out to Winton to the festival. This was 11 years ago.”
That first trip changed everything.
“After my first visit, I was ‘smitten!’”
What began as a visit soon turned into something deeper. Over the past three years, Jenny has formally volunteered, and last year she stepped into the role of Volunteer Coordinator — a role she says she “enjoyed immensely.”
First Impressions: A Festival That Feels Like Family
Jenny has attended big-city film festivals before. But Winton felt different from the beginning.
“I was struck by the conviviality and helpfulness of the Vision Splendid crew. I am used to big city film festivals where, as an audience member, you are treated quite anonymously. From day one at Winton I felt part of the festival.”
She remembers how approachable the team felt, and how special it was meeting the actors.
“I absolutely adore the Breakfast with the Stars. All the actors I have met have been honest, ‘down to earth’ and very approachable.”
(L to R) Marketing Co-ordinator Shannon Stoter, Festival Guest & Actress Erin Connor, Volunteers Martin Stephensen, Jenny Stephensen & Linda Hughes.
The People Who Keep You Coming Back
Ask Jenny why she returns year after year and the answer is simple: “Each time is a unique experience. I forge new friendships and new experiences. One is made to feel like it is one big family.”
Those friendships extend far beyond Winton. She still meets fellow festivalgoers in Brisbane and even keeps in touch with a couple from the Sunshine Coast Hinterland who share her love of cinema.
Moments That Stay With You
Some festival memories linger long after the closing credits. “One of the moments that has stayed with me is after seeing the premiere of Mystery Road and Goldstone, meeting Aaron Pedersen,” she says. “I found him to be a genuinely honest and kind man.”
She also remembers meeting director Ivan Sen and asking about a gorge scene in the film. “Thanks to him we have stayed in our caravan out at Cobbold Gorge.”
That’s Vision Splendid in a nutshell, a conversation about film turning into a future road trip.
Salt of the Earth
For Jenny, the local community is central to the experience.
“On our first visit Michael introduced me to Bernie and Loretta Searle. They kindly invited us to stay on their property with our caravan for the festival. We have camped there for the last 11 years!”
Through those connections, she’s been welcomed into the broader Winton community and now attends the Outback Book Festival each year too. “The locals are ‘salt of the earth’ people. Especially the local volunteers who share a passion for their community.”
Last year, coordinating the volunteers was a highlight. “What a committed, passionate group of people. It was great to share with kindred spirits.”
What Volunteering Really Feels Like
For Jenny, volunteering isn’t just about helping out. “Volunteering at Vision Splendid is one of the highlights of my life.”
She lights up when she talks about introducing newcomers to the world of cinema.
“I am passionate about sharing and introducing them to the cinéphile world. An added bonus, I get to see the films that I love.”
Behind the scenes, she says, things aren’t flashy, just hardworking. “The crew work awfully hard to ensure that everyone enjoys the festival.”
Why It Matters
Jenny believes the festival reflects something much bigger. “Vision Splendid reflects the outback community’s generosity of spirit and it promotes the stunning landscape of Winton and environs.”
She sees firsthand how the festival supports the local economy and brings visitors west each winter.
Convincing the Next Person
If you ask Jenny why someone should attend, or volunteer, she laughs.
“Well you have asked the right person here. One of my many missions in my life is telling friends, strangers, anyone who will listen, the joys of going to the festival.”
She describes it as: “A special and unique experience watching films in the open cinema. Meeting the actors, directors etc and discussing their films is an interesting experience.”
And volunteering? “Such a rewarding experience especially if one is a sociable person who enjoys meeting people from diverse backgrounds.”
One Phrase to Sum It Up
When asked to describe Vision Splendid in one phrase, Jenny doesn’t hesitate:
“To attend Vision Splendid Festival is an extraordinary, unique and unforgettable experience.”
After eleven years, countless screenings and friendships forged under outback skies, she would know.
Interested in supporting Vision Splendid as a volunteer in 2026? Fill out this enquiry form.
