By Travis Johnson

Tropfest, the world’s biggest short film festival, today announced this year’s 16 finalist films, less than three weeks away from touching down at Paramatta Park on Saturday, February 17.

“This year marks the most culturally diverse line-up of films Tropfest has ever seen!” said festival founder John Polson. “Having also achieved substantial gender diversity, these finalist films truly represent a great mix of Australian narratives — from the experiences of immigrants, to reflections on racial perceptions in society, incredible true stories, rich emotional journeys and raucous comedies.”

This year’s lucky 16 include:

The Last Time I Saw You:  a young Afghani asylum seeker standing up to some bigoted school bullies.

Regime: a woman is driven to literal madness during the Syrian civil war.

Last Man Standing: a compelling documentary on Australia’s last remaining motion picture processor,Werner Winkelmann.

Rash Decision: a hilarious sexual health mix-up, featuring Hacksaw Ridge’s Laurence Brewer.

The Life I’ve Seen: an uplifting reflection of a Perth grandmother’s life well lived.

Boys Don’t Cry: a call for awareness on male mental health from Trop Jr 2017 winner Nick Ward

I’m Still Here: a document of a lover’s farewell message at the world’s end.

Mi País, Tu País: an exploration of prejudices against the Latin American community starring Gloria Laino (American Horror Story).

Combination Fried Rice: New Zealand comedian Urzila Carlson plays an overzealous conspiracy nut.

Rock Bottom: an animated comedy about loudmouthed bugs taking shots at Australian yuppies.

Don’t Rain On My Parade: a light-hearted day in the life of a man who loves his job a bit too much.

Paper Cut: a suspenseful comedy-thriller about a rogue printer from Aussie TV star Virginia Gay (Winners and Losers)

Smooth: a hilarious musical posing the ever-important first date question: what would Ryan Gosling do?

Cannot Predict Now: A girl prepares to move out of her childhood bedroom as her little sister prepares to move in.

Two Piece: A 13 year old girls shops for a new swimsuit ahead of a family trip to the beach.

Phenomena: A young woman begins to see her own doppelganger in this psychological thriller.

All 16 films include the 2018 Tropfest Signature Item (TSI), ‘ROSE.’ They’ll be judged at the main event at PAramatta Park by a jury headed by Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon.

For full details, tickets, and more, head over to the official site.

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