Little J and Big Cuz creator Dorothy ‘Dot’ West appointed to CinefestOZ board

Local TV and film veteran Dorothy ‘Dot’ West has been appointed as a board member of CinefestOZ, Australia’s largest destination film festival held in WA’s South West annually.

As director of Broome based Goolarri Media Enterprises and Ramu Productions, West has contributed to the rich tapestry of film and television around the Kimberley.

Best known for television series The Heights, The Circuit and award winning children’s show Little J and Big Cuz, West is more than a decade-long veteran of the film, television and radio industries.

The recipient of numerous film and television awards, West recently received an Order of Australia for her service to First Nations media and communications.

CinefestOZ chair Margaret Buswell said CinefestOZ is honoured to have Ms West join the team.

“Dot’s contribution to the development of Indigenous media and film — particularly in the Kimberley region of Western Australia — is outstanding,” she said.

“Her experience in filmmaking and industry development is a huge win for the festival, particularly in relation to the upcoming CinefestOZ Broome — a new event dedicated to showcasing Australian and international First Nations content.”

West’s appointment comes after the announcement earlier this year that CinefestOZ will head to Broome, which s West said she is excited to see.

“Having recently seen firsthand the accomplishments of CinefestOZ in Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River — in terms of bringing together established and up-and-coming filmmakers from across Australia and overseas — I am excited to be joining such a passionate, creative and hardworking team,” she said.

“I’m especially looking forward to launching the inaugural CinefestOZ in Broome this November and continuing to build the capability of our young Indigenous filmmakers and share our stories with visiting filmmakers and festival goers.”

CinefestOZ Broome is expected to run from November 3 to 6.