The Cinema Association Australasia has again partnered with Screen Australia, Screen Queensland and the Gold Coast Film Commission to run a Screen Australia Filmmaker Masterclass in conjunction with the 78th Australian International Movie Convention Powered by Vista Group at The Star Gold Coast on October 27th, 2025.

Through the support of some of Australia’s leading filmmakers, the Screen Australia Filmmaker Masterclass was launched in 2024 as the only cross sector industry event that unites filmmakers, exhibitors, distributors and marketers to discuss opportunities to enhance Australian local box office.

In 2025, the Screen Australia Filmmaker Masterclass will launch the 78th Australian International Movie Convention and will take place on Monday 27th October. Lauren Simpson (Iris Arc Pictures) and Sashi Arnold (Six Missing Chairs) have been appointed as lead industry advisors and have curated an exceptional program, with delegates hearing from renowned Australian filmmakers including Bruna Papandrea (Made Up Stories), writer and director Chantelle Murray, renowned producer and investor Deanne Weir and producers Julie Eckersley & Kristina Ceyton (Causeway Films) among many others.

Ken Crouch Head of Industry Development at Screen Australia said “AIMC is a fantastic opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate the power, distinctiveness and tenacity of our sector. The Screen Australia Filmmaker Masterclass harnesses the collaborative spirit of our industry and will bring filmmakers together with industry professionals, to share data and insights, strategic thinking and powerful ideas on reaching Australian audiences.”

At the 2024 Screen Australia Filmmaker Masterclass, Cinema Association Australasia Executive Director Cameron Mitchell highlighted that Australian filmmakers, distributors and exhibitors are all recognized globally as being leaders in their crafts. Mitchell commented “Australia is a top 10 market globally for box office receipts with box office per capita in Australia one of the highest globally, assisted by the fact that Australia remains one of the most affordable cinema markets when benchmarking the average ticket price against the minimum wage. Cinema remains Australian’s favourite out of home entertainment choice, with over 55 million guests visiting an Australian cinema in 2025, with total box office locally forecast to reach >$A1 billion (over $A50b globally).” Added Mitchell “through the ongoing support of Screen Australia and Australia’s filmmaking community, the Cinema Association Australasia remains focused on uniting the creative industry to collaborate and drive Australian local film performance.”

Jacqui Feeney Screen Queensland CEO added “Screen Queensland is proud to support the Australian International Movie Convention and The Screen Australia Filmmaker Masterclass through our Screen Culture Fund. We recognise the powerful role cinema plays for both audiences and our sector which is why we are committed to strengthening pathways for local talent by bringing the creative and commercial voices of film around the table together, demonstrating Queensland’s commitment to growing a thriving, globally competitive screen industry.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate added “For the past 30 years, the Gold Coast has a proud tradition of supporting film and television productions. The screen industry has played a prominent role in our city’s economy. Partnering with the Australian International Movie Convention shows our continued commitment to the success of this showstopper industry. Enjoy the convention and let’s celebrate excellence.”

Mitchell noted “Five of Australia’s eight highest grossing films of all time have released in the last four years, and with the stabilised lineup of releases across a diverse range of genres and languages, coupled with the exceptional cinema experiences on offer nationally, guests continue to embrace Australian cinema. Australian exhibitors and distributors have brought joy to the over seven hundred million cinema guests in the last decade while fuelling foot traffic to local businesses and supporting tourism. The Australian screen industry supports over 55,000 jobs, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirmed in 2021/2022 that Cinema remains Australia’s favourite cultural venue or event. Collaborating with Australian filmmakers and ensuring that more Australian stories can find their audience in Australian cinemas will always remain a priority, and we are incredibly appreciative of the support that we have received from Screen Australia, Screen Queensland, and Invest Gold Coast.”

Screen Australia is a major government partner and long-term supporter of the Australian International Movie Convention.

Cinema Association Australasia (cinemaassociation.asn.au)
The Cinema Association Australasia (CAA) is the peak industry body representing cinema operators across Australia and New Zealand, established to act in the interests of all cinema operators, advocating on matters in support of the industry. The Cinema Association represents cinema operators across Australia, including Event Cinemas, Hoyts Cinemas, Village Cinemas, Reading Entertainment, Palace Cinemas, Dendy Cinemas as well as many independent and regional cinemas. CAA represents over 2,000 screens across Australia and New Zealand, with members cinemas contributing ~90% of Australia and New Zealand’s consolidated box office. Cinemas are a cultural institution and cinemagoing remains the number one cultural activity in the region as cinemas are an essential community hub, particularly in regional areas