Fruits of Hollywood return to Albany, with local premiere of We Bury The Dead set for CinefestOz Albany Melissa SheilAlbany AdvertiserTue, 2 September 2025 12:00PMEmail Melissa Sheil
A blockbuster Hollywood film is returning to the place it was created, with its Albany premiere scheduled for the final night of the CinefestOZ Albany film festival.
The red carpet will be rolled out at the Albany Entertainment Centre on September 23 for the Great Southern's first screening of zombie survival thriller We Bury The Dead.
Starring British actor Daisy Ridley, of Star Wars fame, and Australians Brenton Thwaite and Mark Coles Smith, the film was shot at several locations in central Albany and Middleton Beach.
The landscape of York, Festings and Parade streets are not the only things Albany people will recognise in the film, with several residents appearing as zombie extras.
CinefestOZ chief executive Cassandra Jordan lauded the decision to bring the film back to the community via the four-day festival.
"For many of the talented locals who worked on the production, CinefestOZ Albany will be the first time seeing their work on the big screen, with their family and friends, in their own community," she said.
"We Bury The Dead showcases the incredible skill and creativity of local crew and talent, alongside internationally recognised filmmakers. We're proud to celebrate the film's Albany premiere with the community who helped bring it to life."
CinefestOZ Albany opens on September 19 with Kinjarling Koort, a free community event that shines a spotlight on First Nations artists, followed by the Deadly Short Films showcase at Albany Surf Life Saving Club later that evening.
Film enthusiasts looking for a more international niche can attend Orana Cinemas on September 20 for Blind Date With A Frenchie, where the title of the French film to be shown is kept secret until the screening.
Prospective filmmakers can stay for the Celebrate Kinjarling storytelling information session, discussing the creation of two short films to mark Albany's bicentenary in 2026.
On September 21, the Albany Shantymen will take the stage at Six Degrees ahead of a screening of Australian short films, dubbed Salty Shorts.
The annual festival culminates in the Hollywood premiere, with WA-based director Zak Hilditch scheduled to attend.
"The people of Albany were a huge part of making this a reality, and we couldn't have done it without the entire community opening their arms to us," he said.
"We Bury The Dead was a true labour of love from everyone involved and I can't wait to finally unleash the film on audiences in all its glory."
Albany mayor Greg Stocks said the festival was an opportunity to be inspired by local talent while mingling with like-minded film fanatics.
"With Albany firmly on the cinematic map, our continued partnership with CinefestOZ is more important than ever," he said.
"This festival welcomes filmmakers and industry professionals, keeps the magic of film alive in our city, and offers movie lovers the chance to experience and celebrate the very best in Australian cinema."
For tickets and the full program, visit cinefestoz.com.
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