The world’s largest short film festival, Tropfest, is returning to Sydney’s Centennial Park in 2026.
Returning to its roots, filmmakers must create a brand-new short film that includes the iconic “Tropfest Signature Item” — which this year is an hourglass. Finalist films will be selected from an anticipated hundreds of entries to have their world premiere at the free event.
A reimagined version of the event was unveiled by founder John Polson this morning. Tropfest 2026 will begin a year-round presence, culminating in several days of events leading up to the main event set for Sunday, February 22nd.
“It’s been my dream for six long years to bring Tropfest back. Now, thanks to some key players, we’re able to put the event right back where it belongs, in the heart of Sydney and in the hearts of Australians everywhere,” Polson said.
“Our number one priority is to give Australia’s most talented, emerging filmmakers a level playing field, and get them out making films for this unique event. This could be your shot, and we can’t wait to see how you run with ‘Hourglass’ as the TSI – the ingenuity around the TSI always surprises me.”
The festival announced major backing from the NSW Government, with NSW Premier Chris Minns describing Tropfest as “an Australian cultural institution”.
“It’s fantastic to see it return to its home in Sydney,” Minns said. “This festival has been a launchpad for generations of talented filmmakers and it’s a major drawcard for our city. Our government is committed to backing events that not only celebrate our creative talent but also put NSW on the world stage.”
Other partners include CommBank, YouTube, Qantas, Nine Entertainment, and venue partner Greater Sydney Parklands.
Filmmakers will be in the running to win big prizes, including a Google tech bundle, and a share of $100,000 from the newly established CommBank Tropfest Emerging Filmmakers Fund. First, second, and third prizes will be $50,000, $30,000, and $20,000, respectively.
In partnership with YouTube, Tropfest is also launching two new initiatives. The first is the YouTube Creator Collective x Tropfest, a digital skilling and development program for filmmakers and creators, launching this October. The second, set to launch in February 2026, will celebrate the art of storytelling in the lead-up to the main Tropfest event. This initiative will include talks, workshops and masterclasses spanning every facet of filmmaking — from writing and production design to AI and beyond.
The support and involvement of film personalities has been a major drawcard of the festival since the beginning, with Australian and international celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Samuel L. Jackson, Baz Luhrmann, Keanu Reeves, George Miller AO, Ewan McGregor, Rose Byrne, Naomi Watts, Sam Neill, and dozens more judging and supporting past Tropfests.
The judging line-up for 2026 will be revealed soon.
The festival’s legacy also continues through the newly created Tropfest Foundation, a permanent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing year-round support.
The Foundation will be led by cultural leaders including Sarah Murdoch, NRL and Racing NSW boss Peter V’landys, Actor and Producer Bryan Brown, and TTG CEO Richard Weinberg.
Murdoch, who will chair the Foundation said: “The relaunch of Tropfest marks the beginning of a new chapter, a cultural movement that won’t just see a new generation of Australian stories come to life but will also support career pathways for the next generation of Australian filmmaking. I can’t wait!”
From December 1st, Tropfest entrants will be able to submit via YouTube. Entries close on January 7th.