Three years strong and still going! We’re pleased to announce that Made in the West Creative is returning to SXSW Sydney 2025 for our third annual Indie Filmmaker Meetup, happening next Wednesday 15 October at 3pm at the Knox Street Bar in Chippendale.
After two incredible years bringing together filmmakers from across the country and beyond, we’re back to celebrate the spirit and creative energy that define Australia’s indie film scene. SXSW Sydney has become our creative playground – a global festival where film, music and technology collide, and where Western Sydney’s creative community continues to make its mark.
From our first packed meetup in 2023 with over 70 filmmakers, to last year’s standing-room-only crowd at Bar Fortress, the buzz around this event keeps growing. Whether you’re an emerging storyteller or an established filmmaker, this is your chance to connect, collaborate and join a thriving creative network.
What to Expect at the Indie Filmmaker Meetup
Our meetups are designed to spark real connections. Bring your stories, ideas, promo links and trailers – we’ll set the scene for you to meet fellow directors, writers, producers, actors and crew from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
Every year we make it easy to stay connected: after the event, we share a post-meetup "goodie bag" with everyone’s social links and portfolios. That means you can focus on real conversations instead of contact details, and continue collaborating long after SXSW Sydney wraps.
Over the past two years, we’ve seen collaborations born from casual conversations, projects fuelled through chance encounters, and plenty of creative allyships that started right here in the room. At Made in the West, we value collaboration over competition, because we know that when artists come together to share and support each other, incredible things happen.
Why Western Sydney Belongs at SXSW
Western Sydney’s creative voices are shaping a new chapter in Australia’s screen story. From Parramatta to Penrith, Bankstown to the Blue Mountains, our region is bursting with stories that reflect the true diversity of Australia.
According to Screen Australia’s Seeing Ourselves On-Screen report, audiences are hungry for fresh, authentic voices that represent modern Australia. Western Sydney filmmakers are leading that charge — telling bold, culturally rich stories that challenge conventions and reshape our national screen identity.
Our participation in SXSW Sydney isn’t just a networking exercise; it’s a statement. It’s proof that world-class creativity thrives in our suburbs, home studios and backyard sets. By showing up and sharing our work on this global stage, we’re ensuring that Western Sydney’s voice is not just heard but celebrated.
Community, Collaboration & Creative Sparks
The indie film scene relies on connections and community, and this meetup embodies that spirit. Whether you’re pitching your next short, seeking collaborators, or simply soaking up the creative energy, you’ll find your tribe here.
Every filmmaker brings something unique — a new idea, a fresh perspective, a different way of telling stories that matter. That’s what makes our meetups so powerful: the mix of passion, talent and generosity that defines Western Sydney’s creative community.
So, it’s time to start thinking about the projects you want to share, the collaborations you’re looking for, and how you want to represent your region at this year’s festival. Together, we’re shaping the future of Australian cinema — one connection at a time.
Join Us at SXSW Sydney 2025
The Indie Filmmaker Meetup
Knox Street Bar, SXSW Sydney
Wednesday 15 October 2025, 3pm
Open to all SXSW Sydney Screen Pass holders
Come meet filmmakers from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, meet the team from Made in the West, and be part of the movement redefining indie film in Australia.
Get your SXSW Sydney Screen Pass here.
We can’t wait to see you there and show you what #WesternSydneyFilm is all about!
