The annual science film festival, SCINEMA, extends well beyond its Canberra base this year, with screenings of the world’s best science films at more than 20 locations across Australia, including Mackay.

“SCINEMA helps to make the world of science more accessible to everyone,” says festival director Cris Kennedy.

“The festival is a great opportunity to showcase past and present Australian film successes, alongside films from across the globe.".

SCINEMA will come to the CQU Mackay Campus for a weekend Film Festival on 21 and 22 August. Sessions will commence at 2.00pm on Saturday and Sunday in Building 1. Admission is free.

SCINEMA is run by the National Museum of Australia and CSIRO and has been held in Canberra during National Science Week since 2000. This year screenings are scheduled for centres including Sydney, Parkes, Wollongong, Bendigo, Adelaide, Bundaberg and Mackay.

A total of twelve films will be screened over the weekend, and will include; "The Terrible Lizards of Oz", a film about strange dinosaurs, marine reptiles that lived in icy seas and archaic mammals - introducing the terrible lizards of Oz, creatures from Australia's pre-historic past that are re-writing history.

"Transplanting Memories", a powerful human story investigating amazing cases of people who have inherited personal characteristics and memories from their organ donor immediately after transplant.

For more information about SCINEMA in Mackay, please contact Vivien Clift on 4940 7532. For more SCINEMA details, venues and films visit: www.csiro.au/scinema.

END Photo: Dr Judith Wake and Administration Officer Vivien Clift set up displays for SCINEMA and National Science Week.