The world’s largest short film festival, Tropfest, was set for this week, but was cancelled earlier in November because of mishandling of funds. But now, after aid from CGU insurance, the festival will return for its 24th year on Sunday 14th of February 2016, in Centennial Parklands, Sydney.
John Polson, founder and festival director of Tropfest, said the outpouring of support received in recent weeks has been overwhelming.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see that the Australian public and corporate community really want to see Tropfest return.
“We’re now able to restore Tropfest for the filmmakers whose work was put on hold, for our fans and of course for the suppliers and partners. It’s the comeback story of the decade,” Polson said.
Ben Bessell, Commercial Insurance Chief Executive for IAG, which owns the CGU business, said he was delighted to support this Tropfest.
“Tropfest is a great festival, providing unique platforms for talented filmmakers through its events and initiatives, and we are excited to be able to help them get back on their feet.
“It’s also about supporting the wider community who are avid fans of film and entertainment and give them an opportunity to come along and enjoy a free cultural event,” said Besell.
The Tropfest finalist films will premiere live in Sydney’s Centennial Parklands on Valentine’s Day, Sunday February 14, and will also be broadcast free-to-air from 9pm on SBS 2.
Polson also confirmed that Trop Jr, the Festival’s competition for filmmakers aged 15 and under, will also go ahead on Sunday February 14, screening ahead of the sixteen Tropfest finalist films.
All the cards (Tropfest Signature Item) are on the table for Tropfest 2016; with stories about an Australian ex World Champion boxer battling the bottle, unlikely Taylor Swift fans, and a best friend with a dangerous secret, amongst the 16 finalist films.
Next February’s Trop-goers can expect documentaries that provide a window into the past; including iconic Aussie band, Radio Birdman, recounting their short but explosive time in the 1970’s Sydney punk rock scene.
As well as a true tale from ex World Champion boxer, Jeff Harding, as he reflects on his career, and the problems faced after folding from the game.
Other finalist films look at the challenges that come with the cards life deals us. A deaf woman develops a passion for painting and finds solace in her art, and an autistic boy tells of his love for acting and his fascination with Back to The Future.
The animation genre includes a slapstick comedy about a piñata, to an action packed stop motion of a damsel in distress, and the heartfelt tale of a lonely Tajikistani whose dog gets sent to space.
This finalist selection for Trop Jr features a number of familiar faces, with a total of six of the 15 finalist films made by previous Trop Jr finalists. For the first time, there’s even a brother duo battling it out for the top gong.
For more information visit the Tropfest website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Youtube.
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