Trop Jr returns to ignite the next generation of storytellers – Trop Jr, the world’s largest short film festival for kids, will return in 2026 to champion young voices and serve as a launchpad for the next generation of storytellers.
Powered by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) and produced by the Tropfest Foundation, Trop Jr is a national short film festival for Australians aged 15 and under. Providing an accessible national platform for students to create and share work, the new look Trop Jr festival will run across the school year, culminating in a live Grand Finals event in November.
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”. Submissions will open during Term 3, and there will be no cost to enter, with a focus on creativity over production value.
In a first for the festival, Trop Jr has been aligned to the Australian Curriculum Version 9 across The Arts: Media Arts and English, and the General Capability Critical and Creative Thinking, thanks to the ACTF. The ACTF have also developed a free teacher guide and an education resource featuring practical, step-by-step activities to support classroom delivery and independent participation. From next term, teachers can join a professional learning session, and young filmmakers can take part in a series of engaging virtual masterclasses produced by the ACTF.
More than just a competition, Trop Jr is a national cultural and educational initiative aimed at building confidence and creative skills in young people, connecting schools and communities across Australia and extending the Tropfest legacy into the future.
John Polson, Tropfest Founder & Director, said,
“Trop Jr is back and reaching new heights in 2026 with kids across the country getting the chance to pick up a camera and have their voices heard. Thanks to our partners at the Australian Children’s Television Foundation for backing Trop Jr to give the next generation of storytellers an opportunity to learn the craft of filmmaking and tell their stories.”
ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland, said,
“Screen stories shape how young people see themselves and the world. Trop Jr offers an exciting and accessible entry point for Australian children to create and share their stories on a national stage. We’re thrilled to be working with Trop Jr to arm children and teachers with all the skills they need to explore the wonderful world of filmmaking and inspire the next generation of Australian storytellers.”
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 register for the Trop Jr Masterclasses, visit https://education.actf.com.au/virtual-learning/trop-jr-masterclass.
To register for the Trop Jr Teacher Professional Learning Session, visit https://education.actf.com.au/virtual-learning/trop-jr-professional-learning.
Can’t wait until November, check out past Trop Jr highlights and award winners on YouTube HERE.
Your story belongs here. Make it happen.
Media Release – Tropfest
TV Central Cinema content HERE
Trop Jr returns to ignite the next generation of storytellers
