Connect online this September with WSF ONE!
- Made in the West Film Festival
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
What's up #FilmFam? Ready to dust off the headphones, check your mic is off mute and join us for another epic online networking session?
We're chuffed to announce our next #WesternSydneyFilm Online Networking Event on Thursday 25 September 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm, beaming directly into your favourite spot at home via Zoom.
It's been a few months since we've all caught up online,and we're bursting to hear what incredible projects you've all been working on. Whether you're scouting the perfect location, getting your latest idea down on paper, or deep in post-production – we want to hear about it!
This isn't just any networking event – we've got some absolutely phenomenal guests joining us who represent the very best of Western Sydney's creative talent, and we couldn't be more excited to introduce them to our community.
Matt Vella, our favourite networking champion and the driving force behind Western Sydney Filmmakers Hangout, is back! Matt's been an absolute legend in connecting our creative community, bringing filmmakers together through his incredible grassroots efforts and his 2100+ member network.
We're excited to catch up on his latest project Nannu, which recently received support from Arts Council Malta's Screen Support Scheme and Blacktown City Council's Creative Arts Fund. As producer and co-writer of upcoming feature film The Undesirables, Matt's got so much incredible insight to share.
If you've been to any of our previous online events, you'll know Matt brings such genuine enthusiasm and has this amazing ability to make everyone feel welcome.
Jack Voegt is joining us as a growing powerhouse in the local creative scene, bringing incredible energy and fresh perspective to his storytelling. This AFTRS graduate has been making serious moves, starring in acclaimed web-series Space Rats and screening his short film TINT at festivals including SXSW Sydney, Sydney Underground Film Festival, and our very own Made in the West!
Jack won Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year in 2023 and is currently in development with Screen Australia on his first feature film. His collaborative approach and naturalistic storytelling style represents a new generation of creatives just like us, who are fearlessly pushing boundaries.
Elliot Clifford brings an industry insider's perspective as Oran Park Studio's Project and Industry Engagement Lead. He's worked for some of the country's biggest production companies creating shows on every Australian FTA network, plus Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Elliot's got the inside scoop on what's happening in the industry right now and particularly when it comes to the new studio development proposed for Western Sydney. He's here to give us an update on Oran Park Studios, so if you're curious about what's on the horizon then you don't want to miss it!
Last but definitely not least, Andrew Undi Lee brings artistic excellence and deep community connection to everything he does. You might remember Andrew from his 2018 Best in the West film Melon Grab, or SXSW Sydney's 'Future of Diaspora Storytelling' session, where he joined some of the industry's creative heavyweights on stage.
His recent work as writer's assistant on Netflix's Apple Cider Vinegar and also writing, directing and producing the Korean Australian horror series Night Bloomers for SBS, shows just how diverse and accomplished his career has become.
As a past Made in the West festival winner and recipient of the Kenneth B. Myer Award for Exceptional Talent, Andrew understands the journey from aspiring filmmaker to practicing artist.
His perspective on navigating the industry whilst staying true to your creative vision – especially as a queer Korean Australian storyteller – is absolutely invaluable and we can't wait to welcome him back to #WSFONE.
If you've joined us for our online networking before, you know this isn't your typical Zoom call! Our online networking events have become legendary in the #WesternSydneyFilm community for being a unique blend of live TV show meets interactive game.
Imagine spotlight guest interviews, combined with quick fire networking, and a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-style that keeps things moving and everyone entertained.
The breakout room magic is where the real connections happen. You'll rotate through smaller groups, meeting new potential collaborators and reconnecting with familiar faces.
It's totally inclusive and welcoming – whether you're camera-shy or a natural performer, everyone finds their comfort zone and walks away having made genuine connections.
We've mastered the art of making online networking genuinely enjoyable, and that's no small feat! There's something special about being able to connect with fellow creatives from the comfort of your own space, whether that's your home studio, kitchen table, or favourite armchair.
There's something truly magical that happens when Western Sydney creatives come together. Whether you're a director looking for your next cinematographer, a writer seeking a producer who gets your vision, an actor hunting for that perfect indie project, or a composer wanting to collaborate with filmmakers who love your sound – these connections happen organically in our community.
From Campbelltown to Parramatta, Bankstown to The Hills, and from Strathfield all the way out west to Penrith and the Blue Mountains – all filmmakers are welcome to join us. And if you're based outside Western Sydney but want to collaborate with some of our incredible talent, you're absolutely welcome to join us too.
We've got directors and writers crafting the next great Australian stories, actors bringing characters to life on screen, cinematographers with an eye for the extraordinary, editors shaping narratives in post-production, sound designers and composers creating sonic landscapes, producers making it all happen, students learning the craft, industry veterans sharing wisdom, and everyone in between.
The beauty of our #westie creative community is that most of us are slashies, wearing multiple hats and bringing diverse skills to every project. That versatility and willingness to collaborate across disciplines is what makes our scene so exciting, as well as highly productive!
Talk about the collaboration you're seeking, listen to incredible stories from our special guests, make genuine connections that could lead to your next big project, and get inspired by the amazing work happening right in your neighbourhood.
Access is simple – we'll send a secure link to your email that works on any device. Desktop, tablet, mobile phone – whatever works best for you!
Make sure to grab your favourite networking beverage, whether that's coffee, tea, or something stronger if that's your style, get comfortable, and prepare for an evening of creativity, connection, and community.
With SXSW Sydney 2025 just around the corner and Made in the West gearing up for another incredible year, there's never been a more exciting time to be part of our creative community.
Great things happen when we collaborate and talk about our ideas and filmmaking practice!
We know you'll walk away feeling inspired, connected, and ready to tackle your next creative challenge. We can't wait to catch up with familiar faces and meet some new ones. The #WesternSydneyFilm community is stronger when we're all connected!
See you online on Thursday 25 September!
