Filmmaker submissions open for Tropfest 2026

Tropfest is seeking aspiring filmmakers to be in the running for a host of major prizes, including a share of $100,000 through the newly established CommBank-Tropfest Emerging Filmmakers Fund:

• First prize $50,000

• Second prize $30,000

• Third prize $20,000

In addition to the prizes above, aspiring filmmakers will also be in the running to win a host of BIG prizes, including a special Google tech bundle.

Every entry must feature the Tropfest Signature Item (TSI) to show that the film was made specifically for the festival. The Tropfest 2026 TSI is Hourglass - a symbol of time, creativity, and the magic that can happen in just a few minutes.

Your film must be 7 minutes or less (including titles and credits), it must Include the TSI, and it must be a world premiere at Tropfest.

Enter via the Tropfest website

To find out more and complete your entry form, head to tropfest.com/filmmakersubmissions.

Find out more

Visit the How To Enter & Plain English Guide here, read the Twelve Trop-Tips and for all your other burning questions, see the FAQs or email go@tropfest.com.