Made in the West Film Festival 2025: Opening Night Gala

Step into the spotlight at Made in the West Film Festival - Western Sydney’s biggest night of film! Each year we celebrate the incredible work of Western Sydney filmmakers on the big screen at Event Cinemas Liverpool, right in the suburban heartlands of Sydney.

Join hundreds of local filmmakers, cast and crew as we roll out the red carpet and kick off the 2025 festival season with an exciting line-up of short films made right here in Western Sydney!

Enjoy a night of celebration featuring filmmaker awards, a private cocktail bar, popcorn and snacks, and comfy leather armchairs in our three-storey V-Max cinema. Expect plenty of laughs, big emotions and an unforgettable showcase of local talent - plus your chance to vote for your favourite film.

Stick around to find out the winners of the individual award categories as well as our major trophy awards - Best in the West, Best Student Film, Best Music Video and highly coveted Audience Choice Award!

Opening Night Schedule

6:00pm - 7:00pm Red Carpet Entry & VIP Meet & Greet
7:30pm - 11:00pm Film Screening & Jury Awards Ceremony
(includes 9:00pm intermission)

Marathon Summer Series (New in 2025!)

We’re taking Western Sydney short films on the road!

This summer, Made in the West is partnering with venues across Western Sydney to bring pop-up screenings to Liverpool, Bankstown, Campbelltown, Parramatta and we’ll wrap up the season with a Closing Night Party in Penrith on Saturday 28 February.

Keep an eye out for upcoming dates and discover local stories lighting up screens across the region. We'll be launching ticket sites for these screenings soon.

Tickets

• General Admission: FREE

• VIP Supporter: $20 (includes access to the best seats in the house)

• VIP Exclusive: $100 (includes access to the best seats in the house, plus unlimited soft drinks / popcorn and entry into VIP Meet & Greet before the show)

• Marathon Pop-Up Screenings: $10

• Online Movie Marathon: $20

Please note this event is recommended for 18+ audiences.

About the Made in the West

Since 2012, Made in the West Film Festival has celebrated the creative spirit of Western Sydney’s filmmaking community, showcasing the work of students and independent filmmakers. We exist to celebrate and amplify the vibrant voices who call Sydney's west home and stories that are diverse, local, and always full of heart.

As part of our work at Made in the West Creative, Western Sydney’s premier creative agency and social enterprise, we envision a local film culture where emerging creators are celebrated in their own backyard and recognised nationally, where diverse stories shape mainstream perceptions, and where access to the screen is driven by community. 

We want to create an unforgettable stage for Western Sydney filmmakers to shine and help uplift local stories, bring people together, and build momentum for the careers, connections and culture that make the local screen scene thrive. 

Come see why our region’s stories belong on the big screen!