SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Internationally award-winning filmmaker and streaming executive Nijel de Mesa is expanding his entertainment venture to Australia with the launch of NDM Australia and the NDM+ Actors Gala on October 17, 2026, at QT Sydney.
The event will bring together Australian acting talent for an evening celebrating the local entertainment industry, while introducing a new original romantic series, Less than Lovers, as part of NDM’s expanding slate of productions.
The gala marks a new milestone for de Mesa, whose work spans filmmaking, production, and streaming. Through NDM Australia, he aims to strengthen creative connections between Australian performers and the company’s growing international entertainment network.
NDM EXPANDS ITS INTERNATIONAL REACH
NDM’s international operations and creative connections extend across Singapore, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Taipei, Paris, Cannes, and Sevilla. With Sydney joining the network, the company is expanding its presence in Australia while developing opportunities for local performers and filmmakers.
The launch of NDM Australia also reflects the company’s interest in building a creative community that connects talent with original productions and international collaborations.
Through its Sydney operations, NDM aims to support Australian talent while developing screen projects that can reach audiences beyond the local market.
AUSTRALIAN ACTORS TO GATHER AT NDM+ ACTORS GALA
The NDM+ Actors Gala will put Australian performers in the spotlight, bringing together actors for an evening dedicated to screen performance and creative collaboration.
According to Jake Walder, who is involved in managing NDM Australia, expected attendees include Vincent Donato, Trent Foo, Eloise Williams, Dinesh Arnold, Jennifer Manoogian, Rakel Djemil, Hannah Weekley, Robbie Hanlon, Ellie Fuller, Tony Gorst, and Janna Mobellan.
The gathering is intended to recognize the contributions of Australian actors while providing an opportunity for members of the entertainment community to connect and explore potential collaborations.
NDM also envisions the gala becoming an annual event, with future editions continuing to celebrate acting talent and encourage stronger ties within the industry.
‘LESS THAN LOVERS’ LEADS NEW AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTIONS
A key highlight of the Sydney launch will be the introduction of Less than Lovers, a new NDM Original Australian romantic series.
The project adds an Australian production to NDM’s growing original-content lineup, with romance and contemporary relationships at the heart of its storytelling.
The event will also feature the cast announcement for DO NOT DISTURB, a pilot series episode starring Jake Walder and Freya Young.
Both productions will be directed and produced by de Mesa, bringing his filmmaking experience to NDM’s expanding Australian slate.
The projects underscore the company’s plans to combine local talent with original screen productions, creating opportunities for Australian performers to take part in new stories developed for the screen.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR NIJEL DE MESA
For de Mesa, the launch of NDM Australia brings together his international expansion plans and commitment to original storytelling.
By establishing a presence in Sydney, introducing Less than Lovers, and gathering Australian performers through the NDM+ Actors Gala, the filmmaker is laying the groundwork for further creative collaborations in the region.
The October 17 event at QT Sydney will mark the beginning of this new chapter, highlighting Australian acting talent while introducing audiences and industry participants to NDM’s developing slate of local productions.
With plans for an annual actors gala and new screen projects in development, NDM Australia is positioning itself to build connections between Australian talent and the wider international entertainment industry.
