Tropfest began at The Tropicana café in Sydney in 1993 as a screening for just 200 people. Today, it’s the world’s largest short film festival — reaching millions and celebrated as the global epicenter for bold, original short films.
After a brief hiatus, Tropfest will return in 2026 — relaunching in Australia, with more countries to follow.
Each entry must be a world premiere, under seven minutes, and made specifically for Tropfest — marked by the Tropfest Signature Item (TSI), a creative prompt that changes each year and can be used in any way the filmmaker chooses.
Tropfest isn’t just about exhibition — it’s about sparking new ideas and encouraging emerging filmmakers make new films and grow their craft.
All films shown here appear under Tropfest’s standard entry terms. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.