Fourteen years ago, Made in the West Film Festival began as a small student film screening night — just a projector, a passionate crowd, and a shared belief that Western Sydney stories belonged on the big screen. What started in that modest room has evolved into one of the region’s most recognised creative events, showcasing over 300 locally made short films and connecting thousands of people — in person and online — with the incredible talent of Western Sydney.
Today, Made in the West is not only a celebration of film — it’s a launchpad for careers, a meeting place for industry and community, and a catalyst for creative collaboration.
In the early years, the festival was as grassroots as it gets: filmmakers, friends, and families packed into small venues, cheering on bold, heartfelt stories from across the region. The energy was raw, the budgets were small, but the spirit was enormous.
Those first screenings became more than just events — they became declarations that Western Sydney’s creative voices would no longer be overlooked. Filmmakers found collaborators, students met mentors, and audiences saw themselves reflected on screen in ways that felt new and necessary.
That community connection has never left us. It’s what drives our work today, even as the scale has grown.
Over time, the festival evolved from a local night out to a recognised platform with national and international reach. Submissions have tripled since we began, and our networking events now draw a bustling mix of emerging and established creatives.
We’ve built strong partnerships with over 20 local businesses and arts organisations, creating opportunities for filmmakers to access resources, audiences, and industry connections — all without having to leave the region.
The expansion of our online festival and the MEGA Movie Marathon now means Western Sydney films can be enjoyed by audiences anywhere in the world. And with new pop-up screenings planned across Western Sydney this Summer, we’re making it easier than ever for local audiences to connect with local stories.
Many Made in the West alumni have gone on to award-winning careers, proving that authentic Western Sydney stories resonate far beyond our borders.
One standout is Bina Bhattacharya, writer and director of From All Sides which screened at Cannes in 2024 thanks to Queer Screen Film Fest. Made in the West Creative supported the project in its final stages, providing post-production supervision — coordinating final editing, visual effects and final deadlines to help bring the film to completion.
Bina also co-wrote Here Out West, which opened the Sydney Film Festival in 2021, developing the anthology script alongside seven other emerging filmmakers from Western Sydney, including fellow alumni Vonne Patiag. Vonne has since written, produced and acted in acclaimed TV dramas including The Unusual Suspects (SBS) and Halal Gurls (ABC).
Add to the list filmmaker David Hoey, who recently starred in season two of The Last King of the Cross (Paramount), and who has been so prolific in recent years creating content as part of comedy duo Granny Flat Comedy that he recently caught the eye of international superstar Micheal Bublé and landed a sweet ambassador role with Smooth FM.
These filmmakers — and many others — show what’s possible when talent is nurtured, networks are built, and opportunities are created right here in Western Sydney.
The festival has become a vital meeting point for filmmakers, industry leaders, and community members. We’ve seen collaborations spark at our events that go on to become short films, web series, and funded projects.
Through partnerships with organisations like PYT Fairfield, Arts + Cultural Exchange (ACE), the Western Sydney Arts Alliance, and Western Sydney University, we’re helping to grow a creative ecosystem that supports filmmakers year-round — from workshops and mentorship to production support and distribution.
For us, this isn’t about filmmakers leaving for opportunities elsewhere — it’s about creating opportunities right here, so talent can thrive in the community that shaped it.
Our next chapter is all about expanding horizons while staying true to our community focus. We’re building new partnerships with international festivals, exploring co-production opportunities, and developing more online and pop-up screening programs to ensure Western Sydney stories are seen far and wide.
For filmmakers, that means more pathways to international audiences without losing their local roots. For partners and sponsors, it’s a chance to be part of one of the fastest-growing creative movements in the region — one that blends grassroots passion with professional delivery.
From our very first screening night to our current role as a connector of people, projects, and possibilities, one thing has never changed: our belief that Western Sydney’s stories deserve the world’s attention. And we’re here to make sure they get it.
If you’re a filmmaker, partner, or organisation looking to connect with Western Sydney’s vibrant screen community, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and let’s create something extraordinary together.