Dungog grows ... From its inception, Dungog festival director Allanah Zitserman wanted it to be something different something that would help build a healthier local film industry she succeeded.(DUNGOG FILM FESTIVAL)

'WHAT DO FILMMAKERS WANT FROM A FESTIVAL?', Zitserman asked herself. The answer is reflected on Dungog's non-competitive and regional nature, and the fact that its program features 100% Australian feature films, documentaries, shorts and even live script reads ... or at least it used to, because 2009 will see the incorporation of New Zealand films such as Paul Murphy's box office hit Second Hand Wedding.

"They have a very vibrant and healthy local industry and they've been very successful at attracting local audiences to their films. We want to see what they're doing and learn from them," explained Zitserman.

One of the highlights is the "In the Raw" program and its live reading of three unproduced screenplays (Fiona Series' Strangerland, Jonathan Worsley's Coming of Age and Dave Warner's Sister Sister), selected from the hundreds of entries received by the organisers.

"It's a great opportunity on many levels. Filmmakers can road test their script before they go into production, to see what's working and what's not, and they have a real audience to give them feedback," aid Zitserman. "We ask them about the audience that they're trying to reach, and then we work at getting that specific audience to the reading. There are distributors, producers and exhibitors who will get to see and have a feel of a film prior to it actually being made, which is the best time to improve on the script".

Now in its third year Dungog is a young festival, but previous editions have generated a strong positive word of mouth and considerable media coverage. Dungog success stories such as The Jammed have given the festival an important strategic role within the industry. While the audience is, according to the organisers, 80% film lovers and 20% industry, it is probably the latter that will benefit the most from the event.

"There is no ...