Made in the West Film Festival returns for its 14th year with its largest program, celebrating the creative strength of Western Sydney's filmmaking community.
Liverpool City Council is a proud sponsor of the flagship festival that uncovers extraordinary filmmaking talent in Western Sydney. This year's festival received a record 72 submissions.
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said Made in the West proves what Liverpool already knows: Western Sydney is full of brilliant storytellers whose creativity rivals anything produced in the rest of the country.
"This year's record number of entries shows that talent is growing faster than ever," said Mayor Mannoun.
"Made in the West shines a light on filmmakers who might otherwise go unseen and gives them the recognition, industry attention and community celebration they deserve."
Mayor Mannoun said that supporting the festival is an important role for Council and a reflection of its admiration for the community it serves.
"We are proud to serve a community this talented. Liverpool's creators, performers and innovators are leading Australia's cultural future, and Council is committed to giving them every opportunity to grow.
"Backing Made in the West is part of our mission to build a thriving, inclusive cultural ecosystem: where local artists have real pathways into the screen industry," he said
Council is a proud sponsor of the 2025 festival program, which includes:
- Opening Night Gala and VIP Awards Night on Saturday 22 November at Event Cinemas Liverpool with free tree tickets available for the community.
- Weekly cinema sessions at Event Cinemas Liverpool for residents throughout December and February with $10 tickets.
- A young-adult-focused screening in December at The Street University Liverpool with $5 tickets.
- The MEGA Movie Marathon streaming online and around the world throughout summer, showcasing the year's best short films with free access for Liverpool residents.
The recently-rebranded Liverpool Powerhouse is strengthening the city's identity as a centre for screen culture and creative innovation, Mayor Mannoun said.
"Whether we're facilitating film shoots, investing in precincts or partnering with local creatives, Liverpool Council is helping build the foundations for Western Sydney's film future," he said.
"Made in the West captures the energy, diversity and imagination of our region and we are proud to stand behind it."
