What We Do
THE LARGEST SHORT FILM FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD
Founded by award-winning actor/ director John Polson, Tropfest began as a short film festival for friends and family at the Tropicana Café in Sydney, Australia in 1993.
Today, Tropfest is known as the largest short film festival in the world. It is widely regarded for its support of new filmmaking talent through its festivals, filmmaker initiatives and distribution program.
Tropfest gives audiences exposure to premium short films, and delivers a unique, free outdoor entertainment experience that is second to none.
Tropfest offers filmmakers a world-class platform for launching their careers through its reach, prizes and various initiatives designed to help alumni make connections within the industry. Dozens of our filmmakers have gone on to have successful local and international careers following their Tropfest debuts.
Tropfest counts some of the film industry’s most distinguished professionals as supporters including George Miller, Naomi Watts, Salma Hayek, Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill, Baz Luhrmann, Ewan McGregor, Darren Aronofsky, Will Smith and many others.
For more information about our history please visit our festival site.
Testimonials
‘I gotta tell you, I had more fun at Tropfest than I did at the Oscars… Tropfest is incredibly important. You’re going to see people who make movies for Tropfest go on to win Academy Awards, there’s no doubt about it.’
George Miller, Oscar-Winning Director of 'Happy Feet', Tropfest Patron and Judge
'The most dangerous thing about Tropfest (for the film industry anyway) is that it proves that a 7 minute movie can be as entertaining as a 90 minute one.'
Malcolm Gladwell, Best-selling Author ('The Tipping Point', 'Blink'), Journalist ('New Yorker Magazine') and Tropfest Judge
'This is a cultural experience like I’ve never had.'
Russell Crowe, Actor, Tropfest Patron and Judge