Tropfest has closed submissions for its 2026 event, attracting more than 700 short films ahead of its return to Sydney later this summer.
The figure sits near an all-time record for the festival and marks a strong comeback following a six-year hiatus. Films were created specifically for Tropfest after its return was announced on 1 September.
Strong growth and new talent
Early analysis shows around 33 per cent of directors identified as female, tracking above industry averages and previous Tropfest events. The majority of entrants are first-time filmmakers, pointing to a new wave of emerging talent.
The data suggests renewed interest from early-career creatives, with many submitting work to the festival for the first time.
National and international reach
Submissions were received from every Australian state and territory, reinforcing the festival’s national footprint.
International entries came from countries including Canada, China, France, India, Iran, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Any international films selected as finalists will screen out of competition, with Tropfest flying filmmakers to Sydney for the event.
Finalists and public Wildcard
Fifteen finalists will be announced in late January, with a 16th film selected via the public Wildcard vote on YouTube in early February.
The finalist films will premiere at the live event in Centennial Park.
Festival return and jury
John Polson, Tropfest Founder and Director, said the response reflected renewed momentum for the festival.
“The response this year has been extraordinary,” Polson said. “Receiving more than 700 entries after a six-year hiatus is incredibly heartening – especially considering these films are made specifically for Tropfest, and filmmakers have only had since our return was announced.”
Tropfest will return to Centennial Park on Sunday 22 February 2026 as a free live event, with screenings on one of the country’s largest outdoor cinema screens. The event will also be livestreamed globally on YouTube.
The jury will be chaired by Academy Award-nominated actor and producer Margot Robbie, with winners announced on the night.
Margot Robbie
Prizes and industry support
Filmmakers will compete for a share of $100,000 through the CommBank Tropfest Emerging Filmmakers Fund.
First, second and third prizes are valued at $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000 respectively, with winners encouraged to invest directly in their creative development.
Not-for-profit transition
The 2026 event also marks Tropfest’s transition to a not-for-profit foundation focused on supporting emerging creative talent.
The board includes Sarah Murdoch (chair), Bryan Brown, John Polson, Peter V’landys and Richard Weinberg.
Tropfest 2026 partners include CommBank, YouTube, Qantas, Nine Entertainment, Greater Sydney Parklands, the NSW Government and Destination NSW.
Audiences can revisit past finalist and winning films on Tropfest’s YouTube channel ahead of the February event.