Margot Robbie is heading home to Oz to lead the jury for the Tropfest short film festival.
After a six-year hiatus, Tropfest is making a spectacular return to Sydney’s Centennial Park on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
“Tropfest has long been an important launchpad for filmmakers. It’s where creativity meets opportunity, and I’m incredibly excited to help celebrate and support the next wave of storytellers,” Robbie said.
MORE INFO: How to enter this year’s Tropfest
Internationally acclaimed and Academy Award nominated actor and producer Margot Robbie will head the Tropfest jury. (WireImage)
With film submissions open until Thursday, January 8, aspiring filmmakers from around Australia will have the opportunity to premiere their works globally and win a share in $100,000.
The first, second and third prizes will be valued at $50,000, $30,000, and $20,000 respectively.
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“Tropfest has always been about giving emerging filmmakers a platform to be bold, take risks, and surprise us. I’m calling on filmmakers everywhere,” John Polson, Tropfest founder and director said.
To enter, filmmakers must create an original short film, seven minutes or less, that includes the iconic ‘Tropfest Signature Item’ – which this year is an hourglass.
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The 2026 festival marks Tropfest’s official transition to a not-for-profit Foundation dedicated to nurturing emerging creative talent.
The Foundation is guided by a board featuring Tropfest Foundation chair Sarah Murdoch, actor and producer Bryan Brown, Tropfest founder John Polson, NRL and racing NSW leader Peter V’landys and Terrace Tower Group CEO Richard Weinberg.
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How to enter Tropfest
Submissions are open and close Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Entrants will need to submit directly via YouTube.
Full guidelines and festival information are available at: www.tropfest.com
The history of Tropfest
Tropfest got its start in 1993 when 200 people gathered for a screening at the Tropican Caffe in Darlinghurst.
Over the next two decades the annual Tropfest grew in prominence, at its peak drawing crowds of almost 200,000.
The festival has drawn in major international and Australian stars including Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Will Smith and Ewan McGregor.
While the final credits rolled on Tropfest in 2019, it will be back and bigger than ever in the 2026 new year.
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