Online Networking with Western Sydney Filmmakers

Our April #WesternSydneyFilm online networking session brought together filmmakers from right across the region for an evening of conversation, collaboration and creative exchange.

Are you keen to join us at the next event? Tickets are NOW OPEN for the next online networking session on Wednesday 8 July and oh boy do we have some special guests for you! Check out the ticket page for more info and we'll see you there.

It's always great to see a mix of familiar faces and first-time attendees at these events, logging on from across the region to share projects, swap ideas, and hear from filmmakers actively developing new work in the industry right now.

That mix of emerging creatives and experienced practitioners is always one of the best parts of these sessions.

Our guest speakers in April brought a wide range of perspectives and updates from across the screen industry.

Matt Vella shared insights into his latest projects Nannu and The Undesirables, plus his experience at Made in the West last taking home an award for Best Music Video. Matt also runs Western Sydney Filmmakers Hangout, which continues to create valuable in-person networking opportunities for local creatives.

Michelle Kaldy spoke about her work in the impact documentary space, including the ongoing distribution journey for River Town People and several new documentary projects currently in development focused on social and environmental issues.

Laneikka Denne discussed expanding her award-winning short film Oi into longer-form storytelling, alongside several theatre and screen projects currently underway. Following her success at Made in the West, she is also preparing to undertake a six-month mentorship with Australians in Film.

Bina Bhattacharya gave attendees an insight into her current slate of directorial work with PYT Fairfield, including Stage to Screen, a new collaborative project with Made in the West exploring the adaptation process from fringe theatre production to web series pilot.

A huge thank you to Michelle, Laneikka and Bina for generously sharing their time and experiences with the group, and to Matt for co-hosting the session with us.

We had a great time hosting you!

And of course, thank you to our Made in the West team and everyone who joined the conversation throughout the evening.

These sessions only work because people are willing to show up, share, and support each other’s work. The conversations that begin in these sessions often continue beyond the Zoom room through future collaborations, creative partnerships and new projects.

We’re looking forward to hosting the next online networking session on Wednesday 8 July, so keep an eye on our socials and newsletter for announcements.

We've also just announced an upcoming workshop with Panavision called Behind the Lens, exploring how filmmakers can use camera lenses creatively to shape visual storytelling and achieve more intentional cinematic results.

There are two workshops you can choose from: The first workshop explores the creative foundations of optics, visual storytelling, and film language, while the second workshop is an advanced technical session tailored for those working behind the camera.

With live cameras and a range of Panavision lenses on stage, Nic Godoy from Panavision Australia will demonstrate how different optics influence perspective, depth and atmosphere, and how these creative choices can subtly or dramatically shape the storytelling experience. 

Accomplished Director and Cinematographer Meg White ACS will also join the workshop to present a case study, offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at the collaborative process from pre‑production through to final delivery on a feature film and television series.

Tickets are $15 and selling fast! BOOK NOW and join us there.

And if you’re currently working on a short film, submissions are now open for the 2026 Made in the West Film Festival – it's our 15th year and we're ready to celebrate!

Earlybird entry prices apply from now until the end of June, and selected films will screen across our summer-long festival season in cinemas throughout Western Sydney.

Submit your film via our Entry Form, nominate your cast & crew for awards, and we'll see you at the festival!

Until then, keep making, keep collaborating and keep telling Western Sydney stories.