The first Tropfest finalist film plays on the television screen …
James Middleton’s ‘The Red Dress’ was a finalist in 1993.
Yes, that is David Wennham! And, yes, the film is fifteen minutes long! The seven minute time limit was only introduced in 1994.
A clip taken from Simon Bookallil’s documentary ‘Gone Troppo’.
The following article by Ben Holgate ran in The Sydney Morning Herald on the 14th September 1995.
Tropfest takes offThe previously low-key Tropicana Short Film Festival looks set to expand next year with a $15,000 boost from the NSW Film and Television Office.
The grant will make up half Tropfest’s budget, which will be about five times more than this year.
Tropfest director and founder John Polson – whom most people know as the gay boyfriend in The Sum of Us – said he would seek the rest of the money from corporate sponsors and patrons, like producer Jan Chapman (The Piano), who has already made a commitment.The grant also enabled him to employ, for the first time, three full-time staff.
The festival, which will be held for the fourth time next February, also received a credibility boost when this year’s winner, Swinger, by Gregor Jordan, went on to win the Cannes Film Festival jury prize for best short film.
Polson said he expected the number of films to be entered next year to double to about 80 (although only 15 to 20 are screened on the night). He also hoped that the crowd would increase from last February’s 2,500, as he had applied to the South Sydney Council to block off the section in Darlinghurst’s Victoria Street (between the fire station and Surrey Street that was used for the festival.
Tropfest is unique in that all entries must be made specifically for the festival (entries close January 19). And to ensure their bona fides, films must include in the background a prop nominated each year. So far they have been a muffin, a coffee bean and, next year, a teaspoon. But Polson admits the latest might have been “a bit of a mistake”. “I forgot it was associated with junkies. So now a lot of films are set in toilets and Darlinghurst.”
The crowd at Tropfest 1995.
The crowd on the footpath peers through the audience inside the Tropicana.
The TSI for 1996 was ‘Teaspoon’.
Nicole Kidman and John Polson share a laugh at Tropfest 1996.
Rebel Penfold Russell (left) joins the judging panel at Tropfest 1996.
Serge Tezzo, Owner of the Tropicana Caffe, and Nicole Kidman chat amidst the crowd at Tropfest 1996.
It’s BYO at Tropfest 1996.
Tropicana Caffe owner Serge Tezzo shares a joke with friends.
A young Nicole Kidman, one of Tropfest’s longest standing supporters, joins the throng at the third Tropfest.
THIS FILM IS A DOG
Directed by Jonathan Ogilvie
The trials and tribulations of dogstar film-maker Quinn Hud, as he attempts to sell his latest work, “Fall Out”, to the French.
1996 was a watershed year in Tropfest history. The turnout was so huge that Victoria Street was closed off and huge screens were erected up and down the road. With the help of local councils, fire brigade and police, not to mention the street’s café’s the night went off without a hitch. The sheer number of attendees, however, startled locals.
Ruth Hessey wrote the following article about the growth of Tropfest in the Sydney Morning Herald.
CLICHE
Directed by Steve Le MarquandSteve Le Marquand won the Best Actor award for his performance.
Rowan won Best Actor in 1997 for his role in Robert Connolly’s film ‘Rust Bucket’.
He also directed ‘Towel Head’ which was a finalist in the same year.
Yep, that’s Deborah Kennedy in the background there.
George Miller lends John a helping hand in the tech department.
Robert Connolly was awarded Second Prize at Tropfest 1997 for his film ‘Rust Bucket’. Rowan Woods accepted the Best Actor award for his role in the film.
The TSI for 1997 was ‘Pickle’.
Victoria St is blocked off and chairs line the street to accommodate the audience at Tropfest 1997.
Yes it is! Tom was a judge in 1997.
The trophy from Tropfest 1997.
Nash poses with his prizes.
A young Claudia Karvan joins the crowd at Tropfest 1997.
John Polson briefs the judges: Jane Campion, Baz Luhrmann, Samuel L Jackson, Magda Szubanski and Nash Edgerton.
TONGUE TIED
Directed by Jasmin Forbes-Watson
Magda Szubanski, Baz Lurhmann and Jane Campion hang out at Tropfest 1998.
John Polson demonstrates the TSI for Tropfest 1998 – Kiss.
Samuel L Jackson and John Polson at Tropfest 1998.
An excerpt from an article that appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald on the 24th of February, 1998.
Written by Richard Jinman
———————————-It was the night Tropfest experienced its own “Demidenko affair”. The visiting American actor Samuel L. Jackson had just declared Intolerance the winner of the $5,000 first prize, and the 35,000-strong audience was expecting Laura Fienstein – the woman credited in the program as the film’s director and producer – to collect it.
Stephen Feneley, winner in 1993 and Joel Edgerton at Tropfest 1998.
The second year at Rushcutters Bay Park and the crowd is at capacity.
1998 was also the first year of the national broadcast via sattelite. Around 1,000 people in cafes around Audiences in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth made up the first national Tropfest audience.
The TSI for Tropfest 1998 was ‘Kiss’.
Keanu Reeves and Hugo Weaving hang out at Tropfest 1998.
Hugo attended as the star of a finalist film – ‘The Kiss’, directed by Alan Lovell.
The TSI for Tropfest 1999 was ‘Chopsticks’.
THE EXTRA
Directed by Darren Ashton.
In 1999, Tropfest moves to The Domain in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, to accommodate the huge crowds.
Acclaimed Australia actor Rachel Griffiths being interviewed on the red carpet.
John Woo joins the judging panel at Tropfest 1999.
Julia Zemiro won Best Actress for her role in this film directed by Darren Ashton.
John Polson on stage at Tropfest 1999.
Rachel Griffiths, Deborah Mailman and Marshall Napier hang backstage at Tropfest 1999.
The Domain lights up for Tropfest 1999.
UNO AMORE
Directed by Anton Perry
THE DATE
Directed by Will Usic & Damon HerrimanAn illicit affair with a politician’s daughter leads a young man on a city wide search for the perfect condom.
THE ISLAND
Directed by Kieran Darcy-Smith
On a wintry bay, far from home, a young child witnesses something truly unexpected.
Kieran took home the Tropicana Award for ‘The Island’, a shared prize with John Biggins’ film ‘How Far Can You Wear Your Underpants From The Beach?’.
A group of Trop volunteers get a much-needed sugar hit.
Ewan McGregor hangs out behind-the-scenes at Tropfest 2000.
HOW FAR CAN YOU WEAR YOUR UNDERPANTS FROM THE BEACH?
Directed by John BigginsJohn’s film was the inspiration for the article below. Written by Gary Maddox, this article appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald on February 26, 2000.
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The Italian catwalks have nothing on the fashion debate at the Tropfest short film festival in Sydney tomorrow.
It’s an issue that will divide the late-summer crowds buzzing in the seaside cafes: whether wearing underpants instead of swimmers has become socially acceptable at the beach.
A MATTER OF LIFE
Directed by Jennifer PerrotSam Worthington won Best Actor for his role in this film.
The following interview with Jennifer appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald on the 25th of February 2000.
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IT will be over in a matter of minutes, but it could be the highlight of Jennifer Perrot’s film-making career.
As one of 16 finalists in Tropfest, Perrot will be on hand to watch the national screening of her short film A Matter Of Life alongside more than 100,000 people tonight.
In what has become a Sydney institution, crowds are expected to flock to The Domain to watch Sydney’s best-loved short film festival.
The TSI for Tropfest 2000 was ‘Bug’.
OLD MAN
Directed by Robin Feiner and Jesse Gibson
THE LIGHTER
Directed by Patrick Hughes
The judging panel for Tropfest 2000, Greta Scacchi, David Wenham, Toni Collette and Rachel Ward, join John Polson on stage.
Judges David Wenham and Greta Scacchi pose for the media at Tropfest 2000.
The TSI for Tropfest 2001 was ‘Horn’.
A young Patrick Hughes accepts his prize as winner of Tropfest 2001.
The packed VIP tent at Tropfest 2001.
Ben Mendelsohn joined the judging panel at Tropfest 2001.
TRAGIC LOVE
Directed by Gary Eck
A young filmmaker’s quest to make the ultimate movie.
BOOMERANG
Directed by Carla Drago
A man, a woman and some first date nerves – sometimes just being human is embarrassing!
Canberra attracts record attendance in 2002.
Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith in the VIP tent at Intel Tropfest 2002.
LAMB
Directed by Emma Freeman
A father and his blind son struggle to survive on a drought stricken land.
A time lapse of the crowd arriving in the Domain at Intel Tropfest 2002.
A short history reel covering the rise of Tropfest 1993-2002.
The TSI for Intel Tropfest 2002 was ‘Match’.
Keanu Reaves and Carrie-Ann Moss attended Intel Tropfest 2002.
The sun sets as the crowd waits for the first film to be screened at Intel Tropfest 2003.
A clip taken from Simon Bookallil’s documentary ‘Gone Troppo’.
Jason Gann accepting ‘Best Male Actor’ for the second year running has gone down in Tropfest history.
Watch the footage here.
An article that appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald on February 24, 2003.
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The appearance of Russell Crowe – fresh off a plane after marriage preparations with singer Danielle Spencer – coincided with a break in the rain at Tropfest last night.
EFFECTIVE TOWEL FLICKING – INTRODUCTORY TECHNIQUES
Do you want to learn how to hurt people?
Directed by Mike Sharman & Andrew Tomazos
The following article was published in the Sydney Morning Herald on February 21, 2003.
Why do so many people suddenly want to make their own movie? Sacha Molitorisz investigates the Tropfest-inspired phenomenon gripping Sydney.
CA-CHI PUN
Directed by Daniel Pront
A young man’s observations about friendship, love and happiness, living in the small town of Vina Del Mar, Chile.
The TSI for Intel Tropfest 2003 was ‘Rock’.
The 3 min trailer created by Emma Freeman for Intel Tropfest 2003.
Emma took out first prize at Intel Tropfest 2002 with her film ‘Lamb’.
BURIED
Directed by Tim Bullock
Sometimes, disposing of a body can be a real pain in the arse.
THE MONEY
Directed by Gary EckDamien has done something he shouldn’t have – he’s about to face the toughest question of his life.
CONFESSIONS OF AN ANIMATION
Directed by Steve BakerLife can be a little different through the eyes of an animation…
Directed by Tim Bullock, winner of Tropfest 2003.
YIN
Directed by Costa AvgoustinosYin is a cartoon about two characters who must find a way of becoming part of the stars.
Rowan Woods, Salma Hayek and Josh Lucas arrive at Tropfest 2004.
Gary Eck takes home the winning trophy with his film ‘The Money’.
Claudia Karvan, Salma Hayek, Adam Spencer and and Josh Lucas announce the prize winners of Tropfest 2004.
Salma Hayek and Josh Lucas were part of the official judging panel at Tropfest 2004.
Past Tropfest finalists and judges including Sam Worthington, Nash Edgerton, Steve Baker and Patrick Hughes and industry professionals Jamie Foxx, Bridie Carter and Claudia Karvan offer advice to budding filmmakers.
AUSTRALIAN SUMMER
Directed by Luke EveTwo men. One alleyway. An entire world to explore.
Tropfest 2005 judge, Abbie Cornish, arrives on the red carpet.
The jury for Tropfest 2005 was made up of industry VIP’s (from left to right) Bryan Singer, Jackie O’Sullivan, Geoffrey Rush, Abbie Cornish, Magda Szubanski and 2004 winner Gary Eck. John Polson on far right.
VIP guests at Tropfest 2005 included Heath Ledger, Daniel Macpherson, Zoe Carides and a host of filmmakers, media and industry executives.
The judging panel comprised Geoffrey Rush, Magda Szubanski, Bryan Singer, Abbie Cornish, Jackie O’Sullivan and Tropfest 2004 winner Gary Eck.
LUCKY
Directed by Nash EdgertonLucky finds himself in a bind.
The TSI for Tropfest 2005 was Umbrella.
BOMB
Directed by Alister GriersonWhen a man thinks his day can’t get any worse, he discovers he is driving a bomb.
The TSI for Tropfest 2006 was ‘Bubble’.
Rose Byrne arrives as part of the judging panel for Tropfest 2006
The trailer for Tropfest 2006 was directed by Luke Eve.
BURST
Directed by Juliet LamontTo forgive is to set yourself free.
THE STORY OF BUBBLE BOY
Directed by Sean AscroftIn a stab-happy world, a sad outcast wrestles with his demons. The story of bubbleboy is a film about being trapped by the past and redeemed by the future.
FISHY
Directed by by Dale SidneyA perfect Christmas dinner is wasted on a demanding picky, fussy snapper with impossibly high standards.
Simon Baker arrives at Tropfest 2006.
CARMICHAEL & SHANE
Directed by Alex Weinress & Rob CarltonA single father has a unique approach to raising his two year old twin boys- pick a favourite.
Tropfest 2006 in The Domain was cut short as sever storms lashed down on those in attendance. Read more …
Megan Gale walks the Red Carpet at Tropfest 2006.
Xavier Samuel, Mia Wasikowska and Peter Carstairs arrive at Tropfest 2007.
In 2007, Tropfest travelled to New York for the first time.
AN IMAGINARY LIFE
Directed by Steve BakerFor an imaginary friend… Living an imaginary life… There’s nothing worse than being forgotten.
The TSI for Tropfest 2007 was Sneeze.
Hamish Blake, Anna Jennings-Edquist, Megan Gale and Andy Lee at Tropfest 2007.
ROAD RAGE
Directed by Mark BellamyOne morning, in busy peak hour traffic, two motorist’s lives collide in a near traffic accident. One driver, shaken and angry, watches as his fellow commuter speeds away without acknowledgment or apology for the near miss. He decides to chase him down in a quest for revenge.
THE VON
Directed by John MavetyAlex Vonzitzavitz is about to face the most humiliating experience of his life. That nightmare you had about turning up to school naked? Well this is worse…But don’t panic! Superheroes always find a way. Strap yourself in for the true story of The Von.
Don Hany, Susie Porter & Aaron Farroso arrive at Tropfest 2007.
Susie Porter joined George Miller , Catherine Martin, David Wenham, Clayton Jacobson and Tropfest 2006 winners Rob Carlton and Alex Weinress on the judging panel.
‘Happy Feet’ director George Miller and Tropfest Director John Polson celebrate with Steve Baker, winner of Tropfest 2007.
Watch Steve’s winning film ‘An Imaginary Life’.
Chris Taylor, Rachel Coopes and Brendan Cowell at the Tropfest 2007 Launch Party, held at Zeta Bar.
2007 also saw an exclusive Cointreau Party held at North Bondi Italian to mark the 15th year of Tropfest. Check out Vogue’s online gallery of pics here.
UNCLE JONNY
Directed by Mark Constable
Uncle Jonny is the best mate of a 7 year old who is daydreaming during class.
Directed by James Calvert and Eddie White for the 2008 Lancer Supershort Series.
Directed by Duane Fogwell for the 2008 Lancer Supershort Series.
The TSI for Tropfest 2008 was the number 8.
Jason Van Genderen won Tropfest NY 2008 with his beautiful film ‘Mankind Is No Island’. Using found signage on the streets of NY and Sydney to tell a touching story from the very heart of two cities, ‘Mankind Is No Island’ was shot entirely on a mobile phone with a budget of $50.00.
Our very first group of Trop JR finalists celebrate their achievement!
2008 was the very first year of Trop JR – the world’s largest short film festival- for kids, by kids!
Naomi Watts and Geoffrey Rush joined the judging panel at Tropfest 2008.
GREAT WHITE HUNTERS
Directed by Gary Doust
What do you need to hunt the world’s greatest hunter? How about some fishing line and a six-pack.
Tropfest 2008 trailer, created by Steve Baker.
Steve won Tropfest in 2007 with his film, ‘An Imaginary Life’.
MARRY ME
Directed by Michelle Lehman
Little girl likes little boy. Little boy likes BMX bike. Something has to give.
Genevieve Clay won Tropfest 2009 with her beautiful film ‘Be My Brother’.
In another international move, Tropfest travelled to Bangkok in 2009!
DRY WATER: THE MAKING OF
Directed by Gabriel Colomb
Famous Hollywood director, Winston Kubrike, waxes lyrical about his new masterpiece. When the film fails miserably, however, he is less than complimentary about some of his key crew members.
The TSI for Tropfest 2009 was ‘Spring’.
Lachlan Bruce designed the creative for Tropfest 2009.
BEING CARL WILLIAMS
Directed by Abe Forsythe
What would you do if you crossed paths with one Australia’s most notorious criminals?
As part of the 2009 Movie Extra Tropfest Short Film Festival, the Lancer Supershort Series allowed three brilliant filmmakers to each construct a short film starring the stunning new Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback.
“The Rings” directed by Michelle Lehman
“Ready. Fire. Aim” directed by Zenon Kohler
“Help” directed by Steve Baker
2009 was the first year that the festival was televised live – on Movie Extra. To celebrate, Movie Extra put together some incredible footage of Tropfest over the years.
In this video Jason Gann, Best Male Actor in 2002 and 2003, gives us a run down of the Do’s and Don’ts for every Tropfest Finalist wannabe.
FENCES
Directed by Tim Dean
Lucas’s father, a detective, visits a crime scene and asks him to wait in the car. Will he stay put – or is too tempting to see what’s on the other side of the fence?
The line up of judges for Trop Jr 2009 included Brandon Walters, star of Baz Lurhmann’s epic film, ‘Australia’, Heidi Valkenburg, presenter of Channel Nine’s kid’s TV show ‘WB’, Silas Hickey, Creative Director, Asia Pacific Animation Development, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc (TENA) and the winner of Trop Jr 2008, Guy Verge Wallace.
The TSI for Trop JR 2009 was Squeeze.
BE MY BROTHER
Directed by Genevieve Clay
A young man’s charm and charisma challenges the prejudices of a stranger at a bus stop.
A quick look at the history of Tropfest from its beginnings in 1993 right up to 2010.
Elijah Wood arrives at Movie Extra Tropfest Australia 2010. Elijah joined Toni Collete and 2009 winner Genevieve Clay on the panel of celebrity judges.
Captiv8 created the opening titles for Movie Extra Tropfest Australia 2010.
It’s sharp, edgy and perfectly captures the TSI for 2010 – Dice.
EVERY COIN HAS TWO SIDES
Directed by Peter Richardson & Josh Raish
Ever wondered where that coin you hold in your hand has been? What it is that it has seen? This film will keep you guessing right to the very end!
Last Roll Of The Dice
Directed by Matthew Chuang
Movie Extra Tropfest Australia 2010
Third Prize WinnerIn her final act of desperation, Kathy turns to internet dating in the hopes of finding that special someone.
A call for entries clip for Trop JR 2010 created by ABC3.
Movie Extra Tropfest 2010 drew an impressive crowd. Federation Square was packed despite the chilly weather!
Some of the highlights from the 2010 festival.
My Neighbourhood Has Been Overrun By Baboons
Directed by Cameron Edser & Michael Richards
Tropfest Australia 2010
Second Prize
What if you woke up one morning and your neighbourhood had been overrun by baboons? What if there was nothing you could do and nowhere you could hide?
Directed and animated by Steve Baker
Narrated by Anthony LaPaglia
Created by Steve Baker
Music and sound by Luke Mynor.
Steve created the trailer for Movie Extra Tropfest Australia 2010, and we asked him to carry on the ‘everyone has a story to tell’ theme in another trailer for 2011.
The opening titles for Trop Jr 2011.
Created by Captiv8.
The Maestro
Directed by Adam Anthony
On unkind city streets an off-key derelict liberates a device empowering him to create a symphony out of the world around him. When the orchestra becomes as big as the city itself, will The Maestro still be able to control his world of sound?
The opening titles for Movie Extra Tropfest Australia 2011.
Created by Captiv8.
Animal Beatbox
Director/Producer: Damon Gameau
What is the true call of the wild? Here we travel down a very special river and are introduced to a wide variety of the animal kingdom who all contribute their name for the sake of music.
Judges Olivia Newton-John and Jack Thompson announce Damon Gameau’s short film ‘Animal Beatbox’ as the winner of Movie Extra Tropfest Australia 2011.
IMAGINE
Directed by Simeon Bain
Trop Jr
Winner 2011
A seemingly average teenager turns into a highly trained special operative after receiving an order from headquarters. Watch as he uses his full repertoire of skills and abilities to complete his task. Yet not everything is as it seems.
The Unspoken
Directed by Jason van Genderen
A confronting look at a filmmaker’s personal journey to reach out to his dying father.
Scotty Tweedie of ABC3′s Prank Patrol hosts Trop Jr 2011.
The Movie Extra Tropfest Signature Item (TSI) this year was “Key”.
Poster designed by Lachlan Bruce.
Created by Captiv8 and starring Matt Zaremes.
Established to support Australia’s dynamic screen culture, Tropfest Roughcut brought together some of the industry greats including Charles Randolph and Geoffrey Rush to explore creativity and collaboration in filmmaking.
Max Barden and Tim Sheehan won Trop Jr 2012 with their short film ‘Let’s Make A Movie’.
Directors: Max Barden and Tim Sheehan
Producer: Rosemary KellyMax and Tim decide to make a movie to enter into a short film competition. But what kind of movie should they make? Be entertained as they go through a few options…..
Alethea Jones won Movie Extra Tropfest 2012 with her film ‘Lemonade Stand’.
Director: Alethea Jones
Producer: Julian Costanzo
State: VICBenny and Granddad are best friends and never leave each others side. They also run the most successful light-refreshment stand in town. Yet all could change when an old neighbour decides to get in the way. Lemonade Stand is a story of mateship, courage and a little hint of magic.
Pluto Jonze won the very first Tropscore comp in 2009.
He came back to play our afternoon set for Movie Extra Tropfest 2012 and put on an incredible show.
Nicoel Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Toni Collette joined the judging panel at Movie Extra Tropfest 2012.
There was a sea of umbrellas in the Domain as rain bucketed down on Trop audiences.
The TSI for Trop Jr 2012 was ‘Juice’.
About an hour or two before the rain and the Domain is packed!
Jordan Rodrigues led everyone in a hip hop routine at Trop Jr 2012 in the Domain.
Check out more pics from the festival.
Jason van Genderen won First Prize in the 2012 Telstra Mobile Masterpieces category with ‘The 53rd Hour’.
Director/Producer: Jason van Genderen
Waving goodbye to your kids is something most parents do without thinking. Follow this single Dad’s journey as he documents 8 months of saying goodbye to his two children, by capturing the missing moments between. Honest, heartfelt and true, this short was captured entirely on an iPhone.
Help us complete our archives! Send your Tropfest memories to mail@tropfest.com.au