Revelation Perth International Film Festival

Overview

Revelation Perth International Film Festival is Western Australia's most important independent film festival. Founded in 1997 and held annually in July in Perth, the festival presents formally adventurous and challenging international and Australian cinema to one of the world's most geographically remote large cities.

Perth's isolation -- it is closer to Singapore than to Sydney -- gives the festival a distinctive cultural role. In a city that is geographically cut off from the major Australian cultural centers, Revelation provides Perth's arts community with access to independent and world cinema that would otherwise be difficult to see. This creates an audience that is deeply invested in the festival as a cultural lifeline.

The festival has developed a reputation for particularly bold programming that favors formally experimental and politically challenging work over more accessible art house fare.

Key Sections

• International Program -- formally adventurous international features
• Australian Program -- independent Australian cinema
• Documentary Program -- nonfiction features
• Short Film Competition -- Australian and international shorts
• Special Events -- outdoor and community screenings

What Filmmakers Should Know

Revelation accepts open submissions. The festival is specifically receptive to challenging, formally innovative work. For Australian filmmakers outside the Sydney and Melbourne centers, Perth provides an important independent platform on the other side of the continent.

Major Awards

• Best Film -- jury prize
• Audience Award -- the isolated Perth community is particularly invested

Festival History

Revelation was founded in 1997 and has operated continuously, building Western Australia's most dedicated independent cinema audience.

See Also

For Australian cinema, see International Film Markets. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.