2023 Guest speaker Dan Freene with host Tony Chu
ABOUT NAFA
Founded in 2002 in Sydney, NAFA [Networking Action for Filmmakers & Actors] is a networking group of actors, screenwriters and filmmakers who strongly believe in creating our own opportunities to succeed in this tough industry.
Originating as an actors’ group in 2002 (then called Networking Action For Actors), NAFA soon joined up with screenwriters and filmmakers. In doing so, NAFA has become an important resource for castings and crew calls for projects that range from independent to professional productions.
From the outset, NAFA has always been firmly based on the ideas of networking, education and community. We are best known for running NAFA Chat (previously called “Choc Tops”).
On a larger scale, NAFA also ran a film festival Show-Fest International which concluded after ten years. Popular for the ‘Show & Tell’ format, cast and crew from each of the finalist films were invited onstage for a Q&A after their film’s screening.
NAFA also previously organised script development workshops, social events, debates and talent nights.
In 2003, NAFA established a film production company NAFA Productions Pty Ltd. Drawing upon the group’s many connections, it has made over 35 short films, winning awards both locally and internationally and assisted in 2 features. See a selection of short films (various genres) on YouTube
In 2010, NAFA Productions launched MACA [Medical And Corporate Actors] - as a service provider of actors and filmmakers for role-plays and training videos.
In 2023, NAFA Productions commenced production on the medical comedy movie Mr Red Bean (now in post-production / nearing completion in 2025).
In 2025, NAFA Productions launched Medpan - a medical news series on YouTube for a global audience. Also in 2025, NAFA Productions activated the SLICE workshops in creative writing and drama to promote better work-life balance and inspire creativity. In addition in 2025, NAFA Productions launched BITS [Business Interactive Training Service] to deliver actor-led, role-play training for corporate leaders.
Looking ahead, we have many exciting projects, including features, TV shows and webseries. Some are ready to go for immediate activation.
Please Contact Us if you’re interested in speaking or sponsoring.
2024 Guest speaker Maria Tran
| Apr 2002 | NAFA [Networking Action For Actors] founded. |
| Jun 2003 | NAFA combines with "Choc Tops in the Attic" (a similar networking group for screenwriters and filmmakers). |
| Oct 2003 | Established film production company NAFA Productions Pty Ltd |
| May 2004 | Inaugural Show-Fest held at the Sydney Comedy Store (Fox Studios) |
| Aug 2004 | Launches website |
| Aug 2004 | Inaugural Action-Fest |
| Dec 2004 | Acronym for NAFA changed to “Networking Action for Filmmakers & Actors” |
| Jul 2005 | First Great Debate |
| Aug 2005 | First Tech Ed workshop |
| Feb 2006 | Introduces Script Development Workshops. |
| Apr 2006 | “NAFA Bubble” redesign |
| Apr 2008 | Film festivals move to Greater Union cinemas. |
| Jul 2008 | Moves to Fox & Lion Hotel. |
| Aug 2008 | Final Action-Fest. Concentrates on only one festival a year. |
| Feb 2009 | Moves to Clock Hotel in Surry Hills. |
| Aug 2009 | Show-Fest International moves to Ritz Cinema Randwick. |
| Mar 2010 | Australian Film Festival and NAFA co-host the Future Film Screenwriting Competition |
| Aug 2010 | Show-Fest becomes Australia’s first film festival to screen exclusively on 35mm film and DCI-DCP digital projection. |
| May 2010 | Launched MACA [Medical And Corporate Actors] |
| May 2011 | Relocates to Dolphin Hotel in Surry Hills |
| Aug 2013 | Final Show-Fest International after ten years |
| Apr 2016 | Relocates to The White Horse Hotel, Surry Hills |
| Feb 2018 | Choc Tops is replaced by “NAFA Chat” |
| Mar 2020 | Covid-19 pandemic cancels all NAFA activities. |
| Mar 2023 | Relocates to Forrester’s in Surry Hills. |
| Oct 2023 | Commenced production on feature film "Mr Red Bean". |
| April 2025 | Launched "Medpan" on YouTube. |
| Aug 2025 | Launched SLICE of Life Creative Expression workshops |
| Aug 2025 | Launched BITS [Business Interactive Training Service] |