Miah Madden and Chloé Hayden have been announced as the first ambassadors and judges for Trop Jr, with submissions for the children’s short film festival closing this Friday.
Madden, known for “My Brilliant Career” and “Dive Club,” and Hayden, who starred in Netflix’s “Heartbreak High,” will join the judging panel when the festival holds its grand final at Melbourne’s Astor Theatre on December 4th.
The announcement comes following the confirmation of Tropfest 2027, including its return to Sydney’s Domain next year, backed by a $2.7 million funding commitment from the NSW Government over three years. The event will mark the festival’s first Saturday night edition in its 34-year history and its return to the Domain after 14 years.
Trop Jr, the festival’s younger counterpart, is also returning under the newly established Tropfest Foundation, in partnership with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF).
Open to Australians aged 15 and under, the competition invites young filmmakers to submit an original short film of five minutes or less, incorporating this year’s signature item, “Map.” Entry is free, with 16 finalists to be selected to screen their films at the December event.
“I’m so excited and honoured to be on the judging panel for Trop Jr 2026. I can’t wait to see what Australia’s budding young creatives have offered up this year!” Hayden said.
Madden added: “Sharing your voice has never been more important than it is now. We want to hear your story, so submit your short films into Trop Jr now!”
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Tropfest founder and director John Polson welcomed the pair’s involvement, highlighting their potential to encourage the next generation of Australian filmmakers. “We’re so excited to have Miah and Chloé on board as ambassadors and judges for Trop Jr 2026. Both bring their own unique perspectives, creativity and passion for storytelling, making them fantastic role models for the next generation of young filmmakers.
“We hope their involvement inspires more kids to pick up a camera, give filmmaking a go and share the stories that matter to them,” Polson said.
The 2026 edition will also see Trop Jr aligned with the Australian Curriculum for the first time, with the ACTF developing educational resources covering Media Arts, English and Critical and Creative Thinking. The materials include a teacher’s guide, practical filmmaking activities and virtual masterclasses led by Trop Jr alumni Charlotte McLaverty, Yianni Rowlands and the Macfarlane Brothers.
Produced by the Tropfest Foundation, chaired by Sarah Murdoch and led by executive director Britt Wickes, the festival aims to provide young Australians with opportunities to develop and showcase their filmmaking skills.
Finalists travelling from outside Melbourne will receive return flights and accommodation for up to four people, including parents or guardians. The first-place winner will receive a prize package valued at more than $1,500, with additional prizes to be announced.
Submissions for Trop Jr 2026 close on Friday, October 23rd, ahead of the grand final on December 4th. See here for details.