2025 Red Carpet Highlights Out Now

We’re excited to share the official Red Carpet Highlights Reel from the 2025 Made in the West Film Festival.

Hosted by Shetu Simone and featuring interviews with filmmakers alongside moments from this year’s program, the reel captures the energy, scale and spirit of Western Sydney’s film community at its best.

From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was unmistakable. A full house, an electric crowd, and a red carpet filled with filmmakers enjoying the spotlight.

As Artistic Director Ross Page puts it, “Every year the red carpet reminds us why this festival matters. It’s not just about the films, it’s about seeing our community show up, support each other, and take their place in the industry with confidence.”

The 2025 line-up brought together a wide range of stories, from intimate dramas and bold comedies to genre-driven thrillers, web series and experimental work. Notably, half of this year’s finalists were new and emerging filmmakers, a clear sign that the next wave of Western Sydney storytellers is already here.

And the quality of the work continues to lift.

“The quality of work coming out of Western Sydney right now is undeniable,” Ross says. “What we’re seeing isn’t emerging talent anymore, it’s a generation of filmmakers ready to step into the spotlight.”

This is what Made in the West exists to do. We create a platform where local filmmakers can be seen, celebrated and connected. After fourteen years, that purpose hasn’t changed, but our community continues to go from strength to strength.

This year’s festival brought together hundreds of filmmakers, audiences, judges, partners and supporters across cinemas and online. From our finalists and award winners, to our judges, sponsors and volunteer crew, every part of the festival is built by the community around it.

A special thank you to our red carpet crew: Shetu Simone, Luke Walker Productions, producer Daragh Lane, assistant Mia Gibbs-White and the wider team who captured the moments that make this event what it is. And to our venue partners at Event Cinemas Liverpool, for continuing to host the festival in the heart of Western Sydney.

Most importantly, thank you to the filmmakers. The stories coming out of Western Sydney continue to challenge, surprise and connect audiences in powerful ways. The strength of this community lies not just in the work, but in the way it supports and celebrates each other.

As we step into 2026, Made in the West marks its 15th year.

What started as a single night of screenings has grown into a festival that spans multiple venues, platforms and audiences across Western Sydney. And we’re not slowing down.

This year, we’ll continue to expand—more screenings, more opportunities, and more ways for filmmakers to connect with each other and with audiences.

If you’ve been working on a film featuring Western Sydney cast, crew or locations, we want to see it.

Submissions for the 2026 festival are opening very soon!

And if you’re looking to meet collaborators, test ideas or simply reconnect with the community, keep an eye out for our upcoming #WesternSydneyFilm networking events.

For now, take a moment to relive the red carpet.

Congratulations Western Sydney, you’ve never looked better.