Tropfest Will Return to Parramatta for a Second Year

After being hauled back from the financial brink in 2016 and then making the move from central Sydney to Parramatta earlier this year, Tropfest has seen a lot of change over the past few years.

But it seems that the world's biggest short film festival has found some security in a few big multi-year partnerships, with Tropfest founder and director John Polson this morning announcing that it will return to Parramatta Park in 2018.

Like last year, the festival will be held on a Saturday, with a series of events (like the Tropfest Talks program) to run in the lead-up to the main event. This year's 'signature item' is rose, which entrants can interpret or include in their seven-minute-max film at their discretion.

After finally reaching an equal gender split this year (that is, 50 percent female filmmakers and 50 percent male), Polson is pushing for more cultural diversity for Tropfest 2018.

"Australia is one of the most multicultural countries on Earth, which makes for some unique perspectives," he said. "We are calling for diverse stories from filmmakers of all backgrounds to showcase in the heart of Parramatta, western Sydney — one of Australia's most ethnically vibrant communities."

If you're thinking of giving it a go, entries open for submissions will open on October 15 and close on January 11 next year.

Tropfest will take place on Saturday, February 17 at Parramatta Park, Parramatta. For more info, visit tropfest.com.

Updated: November 29, 2017.