Tropfest is coming home, the world’s biggest short film festival will return to Sydney’s Centennial Park on Sunday, February 22nd 2026, with none other than Margot Robbie leading the charge as Jury President.
For a festival built on giving new talent their first big stage, having one of Australia’s most celebrated actors and producers front the judging panel feels like a full circle moment, the 2026 edition is being presented by CommBank and powered by YouTube, signalling a serious new chapter.
Entries officially open on December 1st, with filmmakers invited to compete for a spot on one of the festival’s most watched screens and for those unable to make it to Sydney, Tropfest will also be livestreamed globally through the festival’s YouTube channel.
Tropfest Founder and Director John Polson said the return comes with purpose, “It’s a true privilege to welcome Margot Robbie home to lead the Tropfest Jury in 2026. Her remarkable body of work, both in front of and behind the camera, perfectly reflects the creativity, courage, and ambition we’re championing in Tropfest’s next chapter.”
Robbie echoed the sentiment, “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.”
New funding, new opportunities
With CommBank on board, filmmakers will compete for a share of $100,000 through the new CommBank Tropfest Emerging Filmmakers Fund. First prize sits at $50,000, followed by $30,000 and $20,000, bolstered by exclusive Google technology bundles and additional prizes aimed at helping finalists continue developing their craft.
True to Tropfest tradition, entrants must produce a new film that runs seven minutes or less and incorporates the annual Tropfest Signature Item.
For 2026, the TSI is “Hourglass”, finalist films will premiere at the free public event, with winners announced live on the night.
A reimagined Tropfest
The relaunch sees Tropfest transition into a not for profit foundation led by a powerhouse board, including Chair Sarah Murdoch, Bryan Brown, John Polson, Peter V’landys and TTG CEO Richard Weinberg.
Major partners include CommBank, YouTube, Qantas, Nine Entertainment and Greater Sydney Parklands, backed by the NSW Government and Destination NSW.
Entries close on January 8th, 2026 through YouTube.
You can revisit past finalists now on the Tropfest YouTube channel, and follow @tropfest for updates as Australia’s most iconic short film festival steps into a new era.
