27 Aug Trop Jr returns, inviting young filmmakers to tell their stories
After a seven-year break, Trop Jr, the short film festival made for kids by kids, is back in 2026 — giving young Australians the chance to pick up a camera, tell a story and see their work on the big screen.
Open to children aged 15 and under, Trop Jr is inviting entries from across Australia, with a focus on creativity and storytelling rather than expensive equipment or polished production.
Young filmmakers need to create an original short film of five minutes or less and include this year’s Trop Jr Signature Item: “Map”. The map can appear in any way they like, as long as it features somewhere in the film.
Entry is free and submissions close Friday September 18.
Sixteen finalists will be chosen to attend the Trop Jr Grand Final at The Astor Theatre in Melbourne on Friday December 4, where their films will be screened and finalists will walk the festival’s “Green Carpet”.
For finalists travelling from outside Melbourne, return flights and accommodation will be provided for up to four people, including parents or guardians. The first-place winner will also receive a prize pack valued at more than $1,500, with further prizes to be announced.
Help for kids — and teachers
This year, Trop Jr has also been aligned with the Australian Curriculum Version 9.0, including The Arts: Media Arts, English and Critical and Creative Thinking, making it an option for classroom projects as well as filmmaking at home.
The Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) has created a series of free Trop Jr Masterclasses featuring former Trop Jr filmmakers Charlotte McLaverty, Yianni Rowlands and the Macfarlane Brothers.
The short virtual sessions take young filmmakers through the process of making a film scene using simple techniques and everyday materials. A free teacher guide and education resources are also available, with step-by-step activities that can be used in the classroom or by children working independently.
Tropfest founder and director John Polson said the relaunched festival had been designed around the school year and would give young storytellers a chance to get involved wherever they lived.
“We can’t wait to see what Australia’s next generation of great storytellers creates,” he said.
ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland said the festival could help give children from cities, regional areas and remote communities a national platform for their ideas.
“Young people have incredible stories to tell, and Trop Jr gives them a national stage to share their ideas, creativity and unique perspectives,” she said.
Entries close: Friday September 18, 2026
Grand Final: Friday December 4, 2026, The Astor Theatre, Melbourne
For entry details, masterclasses and resources, visit Tropfest.com.
