by FilmInk Staff
After a seven-year hiatus, Trop Jr, the world’s largest short film festival for kids by kids, returns in 2026, reimagined for a new generation of young Australian storytellers. Submissions opened today, inviting kids across the country to pick up a camera and make their voices heard.
Produced by the newly established not-for-profit Tropfest Foundation and powered by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), Trop Jr is a national short film festival aimed squarely at all young Australians aged 15 and under, regardless of where they live, their background or their financial means. Providing an accessible national platform for students to create and share work, the new look Trop Jr festival runs across the school year, culminating in a live “Grand Final” event on Friday December 4 at The Astor Theatre in Melbourne.
Sixteen finalists will be invited to walk the “Green Carpet” at the Grand Final screening in Melbourne. 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 receive a prize pack valued at more than $1,500, with further prizes still to be announced.
Aspiring young filmmakers across Australia are invited to create an original short film of five minutes or less, incorporating the Trop Jr Signature Item (TSI): “Map”. The TSI can be used in any way the filmmaker chooses, as long as it appears in the film. Entry is free, and filmmakers are encouraged to focus on creativity and storytelling over production values. Submissions close on Friday September 18.
In a first for the festival, Trop Jr has been aligned to the Australian Curriculum Version 9.0 across The Arts: Media Arts, English and General Capability Critical and Creative Thinking, thanks to the ACTF.
The ACTF also launched the Trop Jr Masterclasses series, a set of short, practical virtual sessions designed to support young storytellers and the educators who work with them. Trop Jr alumni Charlotte McLaverty, Yianni Rowlands and the Macfarlane Brothers guide participants through sessions focused on a hands-on approach to making a short film scene using accessible techniques, Trop Jr education resources and everyday materials found around the house or classroom. The ACTF has also developed a free teacher guide and education resource featuring practical, step-by-step activities to support classroom delivery and independent participation.
Tropfest Founder & Director John Polson, said: “We’re so excited to be relaunching a new and improved Trop Jr, specifically designed around the school year, and we can’t wait to see what Australia’s next generation of great storytellers creates. A huge thank you to our partners at the Australian Children’s Television Foundation for their tireless work reaching schools across the country and helping teachers inspire their students to make a film.”
ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland, said: “Young people have incredible stories to tell, and Trop Jr gives them a national stage to share their ideas, creativity and unique perspectives. Whether they live in a city, regional town or remote community, every child deserves the chance to have their voice heard. We’re thrilled to help bring Trop Jr back and support a new generation of storytellers to create, connect and show Australia the world through their eyes.”
For more information on Tropfest, visit www.tropfest.com.
To access the Trop Jr Teacher Guide and Education Resource visit https://education.actf.com.au/TropJr.
To view the Trop Jr Masterclasses, visit https://education.actf.com.au/virtual-learning/trop-jr-masterclass
Can’t wait until December? Check out past Trop Jr highlights and award winners on YouTube HERE.
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