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FESTIVAL AWARDS & PRIZES

MADE IN THE WEST FILM FESTIVAL PRIZES

Thanks to our AMAZING list of sponsors, we are awarding a total prize pool valued at $35,000 to local filmmakers this year!

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We love finding practical prizes that are both valuable and helpful for local indie and student filmmakers as they dive into their next film projects and creative ventures. This year's prizes certainly do not disappoint!!

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In 2024, we have more prizes than ever before, thanks to the generosity of our wonderful Sponsors & Partners, there are prizes for filmmakers participating in our Official Selection screening at the cinema on 30 November, as well as NEW prizes for our Marathon Selection summer season ending 31 January and announced at our closing night event, so read on below!

 

The filmmakers in our Official Selection screening will compete for FOUR major awards:

BEST IN THE WEST

(open to INDIE filmmakers only) as voted by the judges.  Winner receives:
 

  • Set design and construction package for your next film including fabricating, carpentry, sculpting, printing, plastering and/or scenic artwork, thanks to Set Fusion (valued up to $10,000).
     

  • One day studio hire in the huge TV Studio 4 with adjacent green room & kitchen, thanks to Sydney Prop Specialists (valued at $1100)
     

  • Your choice of online course from the Creative + Business collection valued at $99, which includes 'Deadlines, Dreams and Goals', 'Find your Why' and the 'Creative Start-up' course.

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  • An invitation to join Roscoe on The Pagey Train podcast in 2025, thanks to Still Searchin' Productions.
     

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RUNNER UP

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  • Foley package including sound effects and atmosphere for your next short film, thanks to Still Searchin' Productions (valued at $1000).
     

  • Your choice of online course from the Creative + Business collection valued at $49, which includes 'Deadlines, Dreams and Goals', 'Find your Why' and the 'Creative Start-up' course.
     

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BEST STUDENT FILM

(open to STUDENT filmmakers only) as voted by the judges.  Winner receives:
 

  • Sound mastering and mixing package for your next short film, thanks to Million Masters (valued at $1000).
     

  • Six-inch FEELWORLD S55 V2 5.5 inch camera DSLR field monitor, thanks to Opening Act Films (valued at $250).
     

  • Clapper Board / Sync Slate, thanks to Made in the West Creative (valued at $50).
     

  • Your choice of online course from the Creative + Business collection valued at $99, which includes 'Deadlines, Dreams and Goals', 'Find your Why' and the 'Creative Start-up' course.
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  • An invitation to join Roscoe on The Pagey Train podcast in 2025, thanks to Still Searchin' Productions​.​

RUNNER UP

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  • One-year Screen Mentorship package with festival judge Peter Millynn, including online script consultation and 2-3 follow up sessions to guide you from concept to completion.
     

  • Your choice of online course from the Creative + Business collection valued at $49, which includes 'Deadlines, Dreams and Goals', 'Find your Why' and the 'Creative Start-up' course.
     

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BEST  MUSIC VIDEO

(open to STUDENT and INDIE music videos only) as voted by the judges.  Winner receives:

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  • Sound mastering and mixing package for your next song or music video, thanks to Million Masters (valued at $1300).
     

  • Your choice of online course from the Creative + Business collection valued at $99, which includes 'Deadlines, Dreams and Goals', 'Find your Why' and the 'Creative Start-up' course.
     

  • An invitation to join Roscoe on The Pagey Train podcast in 2025, thanks to Still Searchin' Productions.

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RUNNER UP

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD

(open to ALL filmmakers included in the Official Selection) as voted by YOU on the night.  Winner receives:

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  • A four day DOP package from Luke Walker Productions to shoot your next short film project or music video, with equipment, lighting and expertise included (valued at $6000).
     

  • Your choice of online course from the Creative + Business collection valued at $99, which includes 'Deadlines, Dreams and Goals', 'Find your Why' and the 'Creative Start-up' course.
     

  • An invitation to join Roscoe on The Pagey Train podcast in 2025, thanks to Still Searchin' Productions.
     

Each major award winner will also take home one of our spectacular crystal trophies!

 

These gorgeous pieces are some of the sexiest film trophies you’ve ever seen and they’ll make a fabulous addition to your collection.


This year, we also have NINE individual category awards to be announced at the Awards Night & Screening on 30 November, including:

BEST DIRECTOR

(open to ALL filmmakers including student and indie) as voted by our judges. Winner receives:
 

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BEST SCREENPLAY

(open to ALL filmmakers including student and indie) as voted by our judges. Winner receives:
 

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER

(open to ALL filmmakers including student and indie) as voted by our judges. Winner receives:

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  • Your choice of online course from the Creative + Business collection valued at $99, which includes 'Deadlines, Dreams and Goals', 'Find your Why' and the 'Creative Start-up' course.

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BEST EDITOR

(open to ALL filmmakers including student and indie) as voted by our judges. Winner receives:

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  • Your choice of online course from the Creative + Business collection valued at $99, which includes 'Deadlines, Dreams and Goals', 'Find your Why' and the 'Creative Start-up' course.
     

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BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

(open to ALL filmmakers including student and indie) as voted by our judges. Winner receives:

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BEST SOUND DESIGN

(open to ALL filmmakers including student and indie) as voted by our judges. Winner receives:
 

  • Your choice of online course from the Creative + Business collection valued at $99, which includes 'Deadlines, Dreams and Goals', 'Find your Why' and the 'Creative Start-up' course.

BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORE

(open to ALL filmmakers including student and indie) as voted by our judges. Winner receives:

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BEST ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE

(open to ALL filmmakers including student and indie) as voted by our judges.  Winner receives:

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  • Your choice of online course from the Creative + Business collection valued at $99, which includes 'Deadlines, Dreams and Goals', 'Find your Why' and the 'Creative Start-up' course.
     

  • An invitation to join Roscoe on The Pagey Train podcast in 2025, thanks to Still Searchin' Productions

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BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

(open to ALL filmmakers including student and indie) as voted by our judges.  Winner receives:

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  • Premium Actors & Models Profile Photography Package with up to 15 prints included, thanks to Irierootsini Photography (valued at $250).

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  • Your choice of online course from the Creative + Business collection valued at $99, which includes 'Deadlines, Dreams and Goals', 'Find your Why' and the 'Creative Start-up' course.

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OUTSTANDING FEMALE FILMMAKER

(open to ALL female filmmakers including student and indie) as voted by our judges.  Winner receives:

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  • One year membership with Women in Film & Television (WIFT) NSW and one-on-one mentorship from a screen industry professional, offering business advice, networks and support, thanks to Women in Film & Television.

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  • Your choice of online course from the Creative + Business collection valued at $99, which includes 'Deadlines, Dreams and Goals', 'Find your Why' and the 'Creative Start-up' course.

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This year, a special EXTENDED Marathon Selection of films will feature in the 2024 MEGA Movie Marathon.

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Watch the 2024 Made in the West MEGA Movie Marathon online and on demand over the summer!  YOUR vote will decide the final winners!

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ONLINE from 10 December 2024 through to 31 January 2025.

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Tune in for a jam-packed presentation featuring ALL films in the Marathon Selection in a 3-hour bumper edition of festival films, plus highlights from the red carpet that you can enjoy from wherever you are.

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Audiences at home will vote for their favourite film via online voting (shared on screen during the movie marathon), with all films in the running to win NEW prizes for...

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GENRE AWARDS FOR BEST HORROR, COMEDY, DRAMA, SCI FI, DOCUMENTARY & ANIMATION

(open to ALL filmmakers including student, indie and music video) as voted by YOU our online audience. Each winner receives:
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  • Sony equipment for high definition audiovisual playout including headphones, microphones, speakers, thanks to In The Park Events in association with Sony and Sydney Olympic Park  (valued at $1000).
     

  • Your choice of online course from the Creative + Business collection valued at $99, which includes 'Deadlines, Dreams and Goals', 'Find your Why' and the 'Creative Start-up' course.
     

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD

(open to ALL filmmakers included in the online MEGA Movie Marathon as voted by YOU.  The winner receives:​

 

  • CASH prize of $2000 with special thanks to In The Park Events in association with Sydney Olympic Park.
     

  • An invitation to join us for a Filmmaker Q&A and Outdoor screening at Sydney Olympic Park to finish the festival season.
     

  • An invitation to join Roscoe on The Pagey Train podcast in 2025, thanks to Still Searchin' Productions.​

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We'd like to say a HUGE thank you to this year's list of sponsors for their generous contributions to the festival and for helping us highlight the amazing talent that Western Sydney's film scene has to offer!

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