Tropfest Returns to Sydney

$100K, New Foundation & Real Opportunity for Storytellers

After six years away, Tropfest is coming back to Sydney. The world’s largest short-film festival will take place on 22 February 2026 at Centennial Park. For Jeffrey Ikahn and all indie filmmakers, this return is big. It signals renewed energy, real funding, and fresh chances.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Prize fund: $100,000 total. First place takes $50,000; second gets $30,000; third gets $20,000.
• Submissions open on 1 December 2025. A new category, the CommBank-Tropfest Emerging Filmmakers Fund, is driving this.
• New structure: Tropfest now runs under the Tropfest Foundation, a not-for-profit model designed to support filmmakers year-round, avoid past financial mis-steps, and offer stable opportunity.

John Polson emphasized that Tropfest’s revival isn’t just about big names or flashy premieres. He talked about giving Australia’s emerging filmmakers “a level playing field” and making sure storytelling talent at home gets the spotlight.

For Jeffrey Ikahn, someone who values grassroots filmmaking, festivals like Tropfest matter. They prove that you don’t need blockbuster budgets to reach people. They show the power in good scripts, creative vision, and staying true to your voice. Tropfest’s return means more competition—but also more visibility.

If you’re working on short films now: mark 1 December in your calendar. Start shaping your best piece. Think about what makes story and style unique. Tropfest is again a place where independent filmmakers can take bold steps.