We're just one month away from the 2024 festival and the excitement is building here at Festival HQ! We’re busy getting our festival crew on board, connecting with sponsors and prize donors, and of course making some BIG plans for this year’s event.
Join us as we roll out the red carpet at Event Cinemas Liverpool on Saturday, 30 November for a night celebrating Western Sydney’s filmmaking talent with a killer lineup that’s bound to knock your socks off!
This year’s film selection has it all: heart-wrenching dramas, side-splitting comedies, spine-tingling horror, web series episodes, captivating documentaries, and some amazing locally produced music videos.
But before we run through our festival plans, here’s a friendly reminder -- Made in the West is an R18+ event with mature content (you can expect a heady mix of L, S, A, D, V, and N) and as always, this year’s line-up is strictly for the grown-ups.
Now, we know you’re dying to know! Here’s what’s coming up in the weeks ahead…
JUDGING IS UNDERWAY
Our panel of judges is diving into this year’s films as we speak! All of them are fantastic filmmakers and screen practitioners themselves, so they’ve got a keen eye for mastery and as it turns out, an appreciation for Western Sydney’s uniquely creative style. We know for sure they’ll have their work cut out for them this year because the 2024 films are next level!
OFFICIAL SELECTION
Next week, we’re revealing the 24 films that will be featured in the festival this year. We’re beyond excited to showcase an exceptional lineup of films in the Official Selection, which you can enjoy in person at Event Cinemas Liverpool, and a NEW extended movie marathon online and on demand throughout summer.
TICKETS OPEN
Here’s the exciting news - tickets to our in-cinema event are FREE! Keep an eye out for announcements later this week as we open for tickets. Filmmakers who submitted a film this year will get access to VIP seats for them and three friends, plus they’ll be invited to rub shoulders with Sponsors and VIPs before the show.
And if you’re feeling fancy, you might consider our $20 Supporter tickets to secure some of the best seats in the house, or you can buy your way into the winners’ circle with our $100 Exclusive VIP tickets.
These special passes include reserved seating, champagne on arrival, an invite to our 'opening night' party pre-festival with the other filmmakers, and endless popcorn and soft drinks. Every ticket contribution helps keep the festival going strong!
WATCH ONLINE
Can’t make it to the festival? No worries! Our team will be capturing all the red-carpet action, so you can enjoy the full cinema lineup PLUS new additional films from anywhere in the world this summer.
Online tickets give you a one-week rental to watch the festival – including red carpet highlights and filmmaker interviews – perfect for a cozy screening night with friends.
AWARD NOMINATIONS
We’ll be announcing the nominees for our individual category awards in a few weeks, once we tally up the judges’ votes. We’ve got fantastic prizes lined up for categories like Best Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Production Design, Sound Design, Original Score, and Acting for both lead and supporting roles.
RED CARPET
Join us on Saturday 30 November as we roll out the red carpet to celebrate another year of Western Sydney films! Bring your cast, crew, and finest attire for a night of glitz and glam – our photographers will be capturing every moment.
Who knows, you might even make a cameo in our highlights reel!
Doors open at 6pm for pre-show drinks, followed by a night of fantastic short films and awards in the luxurious Vmax cinema, featuring comfy leather armchairs, surround sound, and cocktails. It’s your chance to mingle with the best of the Western Sydney film scene!
TROPHIES & AWARDS
We’ve got some serious glassware to give away! Our judges decide the trophy winners for Best in the West (indie film), Best Student Film and Best Music video, but YOU get the final say!
At the end of the night, every attendee will cast a vote for their favorite film, determining who takes home the coveted Audience Choice Award.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT
With free parking after 6pm at the cinema, you can carpool with your mates and arrive directly to the door. You could even book a stay at Quest Liverpool Serviced Apartments or the brand-new Meriton Suites nearby, so you can hang without worrying about the last train or a late-night Uber.
Keen to kick on after the show? You’re in luck! We’re partnering with Western Sydney Filmmakers Hangout to bring back the festival afterparty at The Macquarie Hotel.
It's just an 8 minute walk from the cinema - at the top of the mall. Head over there with your crew after the show we’ll have the back bar open until 2am.
Thanks to Matthew C Vella and #WSFH for hosting! We're glad there will be an opportunity to discuss the films, deconstruct the judges decisions, and hopefully meet a few people and get inspired to start working on your next film!
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We can’t wait to host you there and celebrate the incredible talent of Western Sydney filmmakers on the big screen.