Short films accomplish what Hollywood blockbusters do in a fifth of the time and one squillionth of the budget. They make us laugh, cry and think. Plus they'll leave you feeling self-congratulatory for having foregone an evening with your worn-out copy of Love Actually.
Tropfest is the bee's knees of short film festivals. The largest in the world, in fact. Coming into its 20th year, Tropfest seems a far cry from its humble beginnings as an informal film screening hosted by Tropicana Café, with actor and director John Polson at the reins.
Tropfest is no stranger to celebrity, having seen the likes of Naomi Watts, Toni Collette, Geoffrey Rush and Baz Luhrmann on its live panel of judges (yeah, no biggie!). It has also helped launch the career of the Edgerton brothers, Sam Worthington and Elissa Down.
From among 700 annual entries, only 16 are chosen. The 2012 finalists have adapted this year’s signature theme ‘Light Bulb’ to suit their ends. Expect to witness anything from a police interrogation of a clown (The Unusual Suspects), a clairvoyant photo booth (Photo Booth) to the politics of the light refreshment business (Lemonade Stand).
Best of all, this event is FREE. ZERO. ZILCH. Tropfest screens in the picturesque surrounds of the Botanic Gardens, and showcases food stalls, bars and live music. Which leaves you with very little excuse not to put down Bridget Jones and join in a night of great home-grown cinema.
Images: Courtesy of Tropfest Australia