“The NSW Government, through our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, is pleased to announce a three year investment deal to support the festival, which will be held for the first time in 2014,” Mr Souris said.

The three-day festival, organised by Dungog Arts Foundation, will be held from 28 to 31 August 2014. The event is a celebration of Australian film making and will showcase emerging and student filmmakers while including screenings of the most interesting Australian and international films.

Other events being planned as part of the festival include, a drive-in cinema, a long table dinner under the stars, evening markets and other family events. The Festival is expected to attract cinema-goers, film professionals and students.

“The new film festival in Dungog is expected to attract about 3,000 visitors and deliver around $3.6 million in visitor expenditure over the next three years,” Mr Souris said.

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said Dungog is a great location for contemporary art, film and music events, and this was highlighted by the town’s 2012 hosting of international touring act Mumford & Sons, and the Planet Dungog music festival, which was initiated in 2013.

“Dungog has a long association with film in particular, being the location of the oldest still-operating purpose-built cinema in Australia,” Ms Chipchase said.

“Visitors to the town can also enjoy the beautiful surrounding areas, including the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops National Park and the Chichester State Forest,” she said.

More details about the film festival in Dungog will be released at the official launch, on a date to be announced.

For more information about Dungog and the Hunter Valley, go to visitnsw.com

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