Four days into its 16-day run, audiences attending the Coffs Coast’s 2020 Screenwave International Film Festival have eclipsed their previous record of 6840 attendees set in 2019.

The rise in attendance has been the result of more group bookings,  stronger local following, expanded marketing campaigns, and new travelling audiences converging on the Coffs Coast for the film festival from all States and Territories.

“It has been an epic opening weekend to the festival, and we still have two-weeks to go! The community have really embraced the festival experience with booking in tickets and passes early to secure a seat and bringing along friends and family to share in the festivities. It’s wonderful to see everyone really get into the spirit of SWIFF”, says festival co-director Kate Howat.

Last year, SWIFF’s economic impact contributed over $1 million to the local visitor economy, which largely filtered down to local businesses including accommodation providers, cafes, pubs, and retail operators.