THE future of Dungog Film Festival has been secured for the next three years after the NSW government stepped in with an investment deal.

Tourism and Major Events Minister George Souris said the government and Destination NSW would support the festival from this year’s event on August 28-31.

Mr Souris said the festival was important to Dungog’s economy, and would continue to be a celebration of Australian film and showcase emerging student filmmakers.

 “The new film festival in Dungog is expected to attract about 3000 visitors and deliver around $3.6million in visitor expenditure over the next three years,” he said.

The deal comes after the festival was cancelled last year because of increasing financial concerns.

The Dungog community held several meetings last year to try to resurrect the festival.

They decided the festival would now be in the community’s hands instead of a private company. 

The festival will show some of the most interesting Australian and international films, and feature a drive-in cinema, a long table dinner under the stars, and evening markets.

Dungog Arts Foundation is organising the event and hopes to attract cinema enthusiasts and film professionals and students. 

Destination NSW  chief executive Sandra Chipchase said the festival was an opportunity to promote Dungog as a tourist destination.

She said the town had a lot to offer including its contemporary art, film and music events.

“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.’’

More details about the festival will be released in the coming months.