Tropfest 2026 Roughcut announced – Tropfest today announced Tropfest Roughcut 2026, a two-day industry initiative supported by Screen Australia and powered by YouTube, designed to equip emerging filmmakers with the creative, business and practical tools needed to take the next step in their careers.
Taking place Friday 20 and Saturday 21 February 2026 at NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) – Tropfest Roughcut forms a key part of Tropfest’s renewed vision for 2026 and will run in the lead-up to the festival’s iconic main event.
“Tropfest Roughcut is two days of big ideas, creative insights, and practical tools for filmmakers stepping into the next phase of their careers”
– said Tropfest Director and Founder John Polson.
“Tropfest has always been about opening doors and discovering talent and Roughcut is about what happens after that moment. It’s about helping filmmakers build the skills, confidence and industry understanding they need to sustain a career.”
While Tropfest has long championed the art of the short film, Roughcut shifts the focus to what comes next — bridging the gap between short-form creation and long-form career sustainability. The program is designed as a dedicated market-readiness accelerator, supporting filmmakers as they transition from emerging talent to sustainable creative practitioners.
Across two days, Tropfest Roughcut will bring together emerging filmmakers, students, Tropfest finalists and shortlisted filmmakers for a curated program of keynotes, panel discussions, case studies and hands-on workshops. Sessions will explore craft, audience, platforms, financing, creative development and the evolving screen landscape — delivering tangible learning outcomes and rare access to industry insight.
Screen Australia Chief Operating Officer Grainne Brunsdon said,
“Empowering emerging filmmakers with the skills and support they need to build sustainable, long-term careers is vital to the strength and future of our screen industry. In a landscape that is increasingly complex and rapidly evolving, Tropfest Roughcut provides an essential forum to develop the foundational knowledge, meaningful connections and insights that early career practitioners need to navigate the industry with confidence.”
Ed Miles, Director, YouTube Partnerships Australia and New Zealand said,
“YouTube is all about helping new voices find an audience, which is why we’re proud to partner with Screen Australia for Tropfest Roughcut. This program is designed to give filmmakers and creatives the real-world skills and industry insights needed to turn their passion into a sustainable career. We’re excited to be part of that journey – from supporting participants as they build their skills, to streaming the Tropfest main event live into living rooms around the world next month.”
NIDA’s CEO Liz Hughes said,
“NIDA has long been an established pathway to a career in screen, dramatic arts, and interactive media with internationally recognised training in performance and behind the scenes roles. Hosting the Tropfest Roughcut conference creates a strategic platform for the existing and emerging film industry to connect, exchange ideas and deepen its craft alongside NIDA’s emerging cohort of storytellers.”
Tropfest Roughcut is open to emerging filmmakers, students, practitioners and creatives looking to deepen their skills, expand their networks and better understand the pathways available in today’s screen industry. Tropfest Roughcut is supported by Screen Australia and powered by YouTube with NIDA on board as a strategic partner.
EVENT DETAILS
Dates: Friday 20 February and Saturday 21 February 2026
Venue: NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art), Sydney
Tickets: $25 + GST per session or only $165 + GST for the full two-day program.
Further program details and registration information will be announced soon.
For more information, visit tropfest.com or follow @tropfest on social media.
Tropfest returns to Sydney’s Centennial Park on Sunday 22 February 2026 and is livestreamed globally on YouTube.
Media Release – Tropfest
TV Central cinema release content HERE
Tropfest 2026 Roughcut announced
