The world's largest Short Film Festival, Tropfest, is back!

Tropfest is calling on the next generation of filmmakers to step into the spotlight.

Enter your film here!

As the world’s largest short film festival, Tropfest has launched the careers of storytellers like Sam Worthington, Joel and Nash Edgerton, and countless others. Now, it’s your turn. Whether you’re filming on a phone, a DSLR, or anything in between, Tropfest is the place where bold ideas and fresh voices are discovered.

The brief is simple: create a brand-new short film, seven minutes or less, that includes the iconic Tropfest Signature Item (TSI). For 2026, the TSI is an 'Hourglass' a symbol of time, change, and possibility.

Finalist films will be selected to have their world premiere at Tropfest’s live, free-to-the-public event on February 22nd in Centennial Park, with winners announced on the night in front of thousands.

And the stakes? They’re big. Aspiring filmmakers will be in the running for a share of $100,000 in prizes – with $50,000 for first place, $30,000 for second, and $20,000 for third. We’re encouraging winners to put those funds toward their careers and their next big projects.

Entries close 8 January 2026.