Beginning as a small informal screening in a café among friends,
Tropfest has now become the biggest short film festival in the world. Each year 16 finalists are picked from over 600 entries and the films are screened publicly as part of a live television broadcast.
The outdoor event is free and over 150,000 people across Australia attend the event to soak up the summer sun and see the work of budding film directors. The short films are always loosely based around a
'signature item' (this year it will be dice), which allows plenty of room for interpretation whether it be through an animation or a mocumentary.
Tropfest 2010 will be held on Sunday 21st February, beginning at 3pm with
Tropfest Junior, the work of filmmakers under 15. The 16 Tropfest finalists will then be screened at 7.30pm. This year the event moves from the Sydney Myer Music Bowl to
Federation Square which is located right across the street from Flinders Street Station.
There will also be a live performance and awards ceremony with the announcement of the Tropfest winner (judged by a panel which has previously included some high profile celebrity judges such as Nicole Kidman and Geoffrey Rush), wrapping up events at around 11pm. Food and drink are available on site though you can also pack your own picnic basket to take along. A jumper, a rug and a fun group of friends who love films is also advisable.
