Filmmakers have just three weeks to wrap up their films for Tropfest Australia, supported by foundation partner CGU Insurance, for their chance to win a spectacular bevy of prizes, and join the ranks of esteemed Tropfest legends continuing to make huge waves internationally. Submissions close on Thursday 11 January 2018.

The winner of Tropfest 2018 will be awarded a shiny new Equinox LTZ valued at over $45,000 courtesy of Holden, who have just joined Tropfest as Exclusive Automotive Partner. VIP Troppers can also rock up to the main event in style with Holden’s chauffeur service, and enjoy exclusive “tailgate seating” areas with prime view of the action.

The 2018 winner will be announced at the main event on Saturday 17 February 2018, and will join an impressive alumni including Alethea Jones (Fun Mom Dinner), Abe Forsythe (Down Under), Yolanda Ramke and Ben Howling (Cargo), Gregor Jordan (Ned Kelly), Nash Edgerton (The Square), and actor Matt Day.

“We can’t wait to see all the great films showcasing Australia’s vibrant multicultural diversity, so make sure you get in before the deadline! We’re always stunned by the sheer talent showcased in everyone’s submissions, and just like previous years, you can bet 2018‘s winner will go on to achieve incredible things in the industry,” said Tropfest Founder and Executive Chair John Polson.

Holden General Manager - Marketing Communications and Digital, Natalie Davey, says: “We love supporting creative thinkers and big ideas – that’s what Holden is founded on. Be it customising car design for Australia’s unique driving conditions, or creating films that speak our truth and celebrate our diversity, we’re all for fostering homegrown ingenuity.”

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Tropfest to nurture local talent and support one of Australia’s key cultural events. The all-new Holden Equinox is the perfect prize for the 2018 Tropfest winner. From far-flung locations to red carpet premieres – our world-class SUV will get you and your crew there safely and in serious style,” she said.

Previous winners have consistently grown into Australia’s brightest talents. Alethea Jones (Tropfest 2012), whose debut feature Fun Mom Dinner stars Toni Collette and premiered at Sundance, will direct the hotly-anticipated Barbie film, with Anne Hathaway rumoured to play the lead role.

Abe Forsythe (Tropfest 2010) premiered his feature Down Under, an award-winning black comedy tackling the Cronulla riots, at Sydney Film Festival in 2016. Forsythe’s upcoming zombie rom-com Little Monsters will star Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave) and Josh Gad (Frozen).

Yolanda Ramke and Ben Howling’s finalist zombie film Cargo (Tropfest 2013) went viral after it was uploaded to YouTube with over 13 million views. The short has been adapted into a Netflix original feature starring Martin Freeman (The Hobbit).

Gregor Jordan (Tropfest 1995) jumped straight into directing Heath Ledger and Rose Byrne in Two Hands following his Tropfest win. He has since worked with the likes of Joaquin Phoenix and Anna Paquin (Buffalo Soldiers), Orlando Bloom and Geoffrey Rush (Ned Kelly).

Other past winners also include Nash Edgerton, whose upcoming dark comedy Gringo stars Charlize Theron and Amanda Seyfried; and Matt Day, who recently starred in Venice Special Jury Prize winner Sweet Country by acclaimed Australian director Warwick Thornton.

Tropfest’s 2018 winner will also receive a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of Kennedy Miller Mitchell, a film immersion course and ‘week of meetings’ in Los Angeles with agents, studio executives and other industry professionals courtesy of the Motion Picture Association, and a visit to the YouTube Space.

In Tropfest tradition, films must be no longer than seven minutes, and must contain the Tropfest Signature Item (TSI) – “ROSE.” It is entirely up to entrants as to how they include the TSI in their film, with filmmakers encouraged to be as literal or as subtle as they like.

Trop Jr, a film competition for entrants aged 15 years and under, will also close submissions on the same date. Finalist films will premiere in Parramatta on the event day.

Tropfest has grown significantly since its humble beginnings at the Tropicana Caffé in Sydney’s Darlinghurst in 1993, where an eager crowd of 200 showed up for a short film screening organised by Tropfest founder John Polson.  This year, tens of thousands of film lovers are expected to enjoy short films from 16 finalists in beautiful Parramatta Park.

Tropfest is supported by Foundation Partner CGU Insurance, Presenting Partner Melrose Park and Strategic Partners Western Sydney University, Parramatta Park Trust, and the City of Parramatta. Tropfest's Live Streaming Partner is YouTube Australia and is supported by Major Government Partner, Screen Australia.

For festival details, screening venues and regular updates on all things Trop visit:
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