Timely Tropfest return like sands through the hourglass

One of the world's biggest short film showcases, Tropfest, is making a comeback after a six-year hiatus.

A Tropfest film can be made with as little as $20 and a smartphone, said festival founder John Polson.

"We're very excited to have Tropfest back, we're putting the word out to young filmmakers, there's no budget restrictions," he said.

Films must run for seven minutes or less and include a specific item, chosen to ensure they are made specifically for the festival - for Tropfest 2026, the item is an hourglass.

The event has long been a launching pad for Australian talent: Tropfest alumni include the likes of Joel and Nash Edgerton, Sam Worthington, Rebel Wilson, and David Wenham.

Over the years the judges have included global screen stars such as Keanu Reeves, Mel Gibson, Susan Sarandon and Samuel L. Jackson.

Tropfest started in 1993 with a short film screening for 200 people at a Sydney cafe, and quickly expanded to attract huge audiences each year.

But it was cancelled in 2015 due to funding mismanagement by former contractors, and the pandemic put a stop to the festival in 2020.

At a media event on Monday, NSW Premier Chris Minns promised ongoing support for Tropfest, which will be held annually.

"It's not a one off, Tropfest is back for good, we want to back this organisation into the future," he said.

It will be overseen by a new not-for-profit foundation chaired by Sarah Murdoch and including NRL and racing boss Peter V'landys, actor and producer Bryan Brown, and businessman Richard Weinberg.

Tropfest has also secured commercial backing from corporations including the Commonwealth Bank, YouTube, and Qantas.

Finalists will be screened at Centennial Park in February, and livestreamed on YouTube.

The platform will also stream "Trop 'til You Drop", a 24-hour-a-day marathon of Tropfest films that will run for a fortnight, starting Friday.

Tropfest entries open from December 1 and close January 7, 2026, with finalists screening at Sydney's Centennial Park on February 22.