Trop Jr submissions open for next generation of storytellers – Trop Jr submissions are now open, with the youth short film festival returning in 2026 after a seven-year hiatus.
The festival is inviting young Australians aged 15 and under to create an original short film of five minutes or less using the 2026 Trop Jr Signature Item, Map.
The return of Trop Jr gives schools, families and young screen creators a national platform at a time when Australian storytelling pathways remain a major focus across the local screen industry.
How To Enter
Entries are free, and the festival is placing the emphasis on creativity and storytelling rather than production value. Submissions close on Friday, September 18.
Trop Jr is produced by the newly established not-for-profit Tropfest Foundation and powered by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.
Grand Final Details
The live Grand Final will be held on Friday, December 4 at The Astor Theatre in Melbourne, where 16 finalists will be invited to walk the Green Carpet.
Finalists from outside Melbourne will receive return flights and accommodation 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 additional prizes to be announced.
Support For Schools
The Australian Children’s Television Foundation has also launched Trop Jr Masterclasses, a series of free virtual sessions designed to help students and teachers explore short film storytelling.
The program is aligned with the Australian Curriculum v9.0 across Media Arts, English, and the Critical and Creative Thinking general capability.
For more cinema and screen news, visit TV Central’s Cinema Releases section. Trop Jr submissions and festival information are available through Tropfest, with school resources available from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.
