Get ready because we're just four weeks away from the spectacular 2023 Made in the West Film Festival, and the excitement is building!
Join us as we roll out the red carpet at Event Cinemas in Liverpool on Saturday 25 November for an unforgettable evening celebrating Western Sydney's filmmaking talent and a killer lineup that will knock your socks off!
This year, our film selection is a thrilling mix of heart-wrenching dramas, side-splitting comedies, spine-tingling horrors, web series episodes, and captivating documentary shorts. And let's not forget the incredible locally produced music videos that will grace our screens too.
But before we dive into the festival frenzy, here's a quick reminder: Made in the West is an R18+ event, and many of our films will contain mature content. Expect the usual suspects, including L, S, A, D, V, and N.
Sorry kiddos, this one's strictly for the grown-ups!
Here’s what you can expect next, in the month ahead:
JUDGING IS UNDERWAY: Our panel of judges, all of whom are incredible filmmakers themselves, are going to be watching films for the next little while. We've assembled a dream team this year, and we're confident they'll have their work cut out for them. Kudos to everyone involved!
OFFICIAL SELECTION: Stay tuned because we're about to unveil the 2023 finalists next week! We're thrilled to showcase an exceptional line-up of films in the Official Selection. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy these films in-person at Event Cinemas Liverpool and, later, online and on-demand throughout summer.
TICKET RELEASE: The exciting news is that tickets for the in-cinema event will be FREE to attend! Keep an eye out for our announcements. But remember, tickets are limited, so ensure your guests can attend before reserving their seats. Our incredible filmmakers who entered a film in the festival this year will get first dibs on tickets. We're giving them early access to beat the rush!
For those feeling fancy, we're offering 'Supporter' and 'Exclusive VIP' tickets, which include reserved seating, champagne on arrival, a pre-festival meet & greet with filmmakers, and a steady supply of popcorn and soft drinks all night. Plus, all ticket contributions help cover our running costs.
WATCH ONLINE: If you can't make it to the festival but don't want to miss the red carpet action and this year's films, you're in luck! We’ve got a crew of people helping us capture the night so you can watch the full presentation online throughout summer.
Your ticket will grant you one-week rental access to the entire festival, including highlights from the red carpet and interviews with the filmmakers, which means you can sit back and enjoy the show whenever and wherever you like. You'll even have the opportunity to cast your vote for the genre awards and the online crowd favourite, our People's Choice Award!
AWARD NOMINATIONS: We'll be announcing the nominees for our individual category awards in two weeks, once we've tallied the votes from our judges. This year's filmmakers are in for a treat, with a slew of filmmaker prizes and accolades awaiting the winners in categories like Best Director, Screenplay, Cinematographer, Editor, Production Design, Sound Design, Original Score, and Acting in a Lead or Supporting Role.
RED CARPET: Join us at Event Cinemas Liverpool on Saturday 25 November as we roll out the red carpet to celebrate another year of Western Sydney films! Gather your cast and crew, don your finest attire, and prepare to be snapped by our festival photographers – you might even make a cameo in our highlights video!
Doors open at 6pm for pre-show drinks, then you’ll settle in for a night of captivating short films and awards in our three-story Vmax cinema, complete with a live MC, comfy leather armchairs, surround sound, cocktails, and the opportunity to mingle with the best talents from the Western Sydney film scene.
TROPHIES & AWARDS: While our judges' votes determine the winners of our prestigious trophies, you, the audience, have the final say. At the end of the night, we're inviting all cinema attendees to cast a vote for their favorite film – your vote will determine the recipient of the coveted Audience Choice Award!
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT: With free parking after 6pm at the cinema and a surefire flow of drinks and laughs, why not extend the celebration? Stay overnight at Quest Liverpool Serviced Apartments or the new Meriton. It's the perfect way to keep the good times rolling without worrying about the last train home or spending a fortune on an Uber.
There you have it, folks!
Get ready for an exhilarating month ahead as we gear up for the 12th annual Made in the West Film Festival. We can't wait to host you and celebrate the incredible talent of Western Sydney filmmakers.