FILMMAKERS

YOUR STORY BELONGS HERE. MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Are you planning on making a film for Tropfest? If so, please reach out to us now and let us know on go@tropfest.com so we can keep you posted regarding anything and everything related to entering Tropfest. 

Whether it’s your first short film or your fiftieth, Tropfest could be your shot - as it has been for dozens of people over the past years. We welcome filmmakers from across Australia, and in fact anywhere in the world and at any stage of their career. 

International Entries Welcome

While only films from Australian citizens and residents are eligible for the Official Tropfest Competition, filmmakers from around the world can still enter Tropfest “Out Of Competition". If you’re selected as a finalist, you’ll still participate in the biggest “prize” of all: having your film screened in front of Tropfest’s massive audience, both live and via our global  Livestream on the Tropfest  YouTube Channel. With the help of our Official Airline Partner, Qantas, we’ll happily bring you and a friend or  colleague to Sydney to witness Tropfest first hand – including your film playing alongside the other Finalists in front of the huge crowd. 

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How to Enter

  • Follow the 3 basic rules: your film must be 7 minutes or less (including  titles and credits), it must Include the Tropfest Signature Item (the 2026 TSI is: “Hourglass”), and it must be a world premiere at Tropfest

  • Follow the official Terms & Conditions (coming soon right here!)

  • Submissions open 1st December 2025.

  • For Tropfest 2026, all entries will be uploaded via YouTube. Stay tuned for more details.

Eligibility

Tropfest is open to everyone, with all genres welcome - we celebrate creativity and originality in every form. Budgets don’t matter - we don’t care if you spent $50 on your film of $500,000. All we care about is how strong  your idea is and how well you execute it. While we have no problem with “famous faces” and fancy equipment, when it comes to getting through to the finals - or even winning one of the big prizes – all that matters is how great your film is. Period.

Official Competition

Open exclusively to Australian citizens and residents. These films will compete for the prizes and recognition as part of the main Tropfest program.

Out of Competition Screenings

Open to filmmakers worldwide. While not eligible for official awards or prizes, selected films will still be showcased at the Festival and the filmmaker and a guest will be flown to Sydney by Qantas, our official Airline Partner, to experience Tropfest first hand and see their film on the big screen.

Key Dates
What You Need To Know

  • Submissions open: December 1

  • Shortlist announced: Mid-late January 2026

  • Festival screening: Sunday February 22nd, 2026

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THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

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Official Airline Partner

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Supporting Media Partner

Venue Partner

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Government Partner

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