YOUR STORY BELONGS HERE | MAKE IT HAPPEN

The countdown is officially on. With just over two weeks left to enter, Tropfest – the world’s largest short film festival – is calling on filmmakers across Australia to submit their short film. Entries close Thursday 8 January 2026.

Tropfest returns to Sydney’s Centennial Park on Sunday 22 February 2026, showcasing the very best in short-form storytelling on one of the biggest screens in the country — and livestreamed globally on YouTube.

To be eligible, films must be seven minutes or less and incorporate this year’s Tropfest Signature Item (TSI) the “Hourglass.” Whether it’s polished, raw, bold or unexpected — if you’ve got a story, this is your moment.

Finalist films will receive their world premiere at the live, free-to-the-public event, with winners announced on stage before thousands of film lovers and a jury headed by internationally acclaimed, Academy Award-nominated actor and producer Margot Robbie.

Tropfest Founder and Director John Polson said: “Tropfest has always been about jumping in and taking a chance. You don’t need a big budget or anyone’s permission. If you’ve been sitting on an idea, this is your sign. Only two weeks left. You have to be in it to win it.”

This year, filmmakers are competing for a share of $100,000 through the newly established CommBank Tropfest Emerging Filmmakers Fund, designed to champion the next generation of Australian storytellers.

The first, second and third prizes will be valued at $50,000, $30,000, and $20,000 respectively. CommBank is encouraging the winners to use these funds to further develop their careers. In addition, winners will receive premium technology bundles from Google to support their creative work, along with other prizes.

The 2026 event marks Tropfest’s official transition to a not-for-profit Foundation, dedicated to nurturing emerging creative talent. The Foundation is guided by a board of cultural leaders including Sarah Murdoch (Chair), Bryan Brown, John Polson, Peter V’landys and Richard Weinberg.

Partners include: CommBank, YouTube, Qantas, Nine Entertainment, Greater Sydney Parklands, NSW Government, Destination NSW, Fraser Suites Sydney, Holding Redlich, Lumina and NixCo.

Submissions close: Thursday 8 January 2026
Submit via: YouTube

Miss the deadline and you miss the chance. It’s that simple.

For inspiration, explore decades of finalist and winning films now on Tropfest’s YouTube channel, and follow @tropfest on social media for updates.

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brett

Born in Cairns (Far North Queensland – Australia) I am the youngest and the only boy of a family of five. My first serious job was as a Salesperson, the announcer, then Production Manager for 4AM. I spent in excess of ten years running my own successful entertainment agency before moving to Melbourne (Victoria – Australia) where I currently live, work and play. A week after arriving I joined the sales team at JOY 94.9fm – what was to be Australia’s first and only dedicated gay and lesbian radio station. I was clearly destined to be self-employed as fate would have it. Q Magazine was born in March 2004 and as they so rightly say ‘the rest is history’.

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