Cultures of the world to converge at Cinema Park 2013

Sydney's Belmore Park is set to transform into a buzzing hive of film, music, food and cultural activity for five days in November when Cinema Park kicks off as part of the very first Sydney Intercultural Film Festival (SIFF).

Running from 13th to 17th November 2013, Cinema Park will offer film-buffs, musos and foodies something different, with special film screenings, musical performances, star meet-and-greets, themed family fun days, stand-up comedy performances, film exhibitions and demonstrations, international food stalls, children's rides, and prize and cash giveaways open to the public for a $2 entry fee.

Former Australian Idol winner Casey Donovan will perform a free concert on opening night, accompanied by a star-studded gala event to be attended by SIFF's biggest names giving attendees a chance to get up-close-and-personal with the people who make the magic happen in front of, and behind, the camera lens.

The events will provide plenty of opportunities for family-fun, with weekday sessions being split into different themes with accompanying film screenings and dress up competitions. Wednesday 13th November will explore the world of dance, Thursday 14th November will reflect the horror genre, and Friday 15th November will enjoin attendees to dress up as their favourite movie character. Cash prizes will go to the winners and runner-ups of each competition.

Festival Creative Manager Kate Ryerson says Cinema Park will highlight culture and creativity from across the globe.

Ryerson explained "the main aim is to introduce Sydneysiders to the stories, tastes, and sounds of our local, regional and global neighbours.

"Cinema Park is sure to be a crazy rollercoaster of fun, food, creativity and performance with something for all ages and backgrounds."

More than 30 cultures will be represented across the Cinema Park events including Chinese, Arab, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Polish, Indonesian, Greek and Japanese, among others. There will also be over 100 international food, merchandise and entertainment stalls.

Ryerson concluded "we hope that everyone gets behind these events and takes the opportunity to engage with forms of creativity and expression that they may not often be exposed to, in the presence of good company and some top-notch international film talent."

Cinema Park will be the main events hub for the first Sydney Intercultural Film Festival (SIFF), which will screen a total of 150 films from six continents including Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and South America spanning feature, short and documentary genres.

For more information go to

http://www.siff.org.au