ACTF News

Tropfest has announced the 16 finalists selected for the 2026 Trop Jr Grand Final, showcasing the next generation of Australian filmmakers aged 15 and under. From 101 entries representing every Australian state and territory, these young creators have reimagined what it means to tell stories in five minutes or less – crafting films that prioritise heart, creativity and originality over production budgets.

Tropfest’s Trop Jr program, presented in association with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), exists to give young voices a platform, celebrate the boundless creativity of filmmaking, and remind the world that great storytelling knows no age limit.

This year’s Trop Jr competition challenged young filmmakers to incorporate the Trop Jr Signature Item (TSI): “Map” into their original work. From stop-motion masterpieces animated on iPads to intimate character studies and thrilling adventures filmed on iPhone, the finalist films span every genre and showcase the diverse stories young Australians are eager to tell.

Tropfest Founder & Festival Director John Polson said: “We were impressed by every one of the 101 entries we received this year. The diversity of storytelling was remarkable, as was the courage and commitment each young filmmaker showed in putting their work forward. From stop-motion Lego sharks to haunting thrillers and moving stories of loss and identity, this year’s Trop Jr finalists show a level of skill, imagination and confidence well beyond their years.”

ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland said: “Every child has a story to tell, and filmmaking offers a fun and truly unique way for young people to tap into their creativity and express themselves. Each of the Trop Jr finalists and everyone who created a film for the competition should be extremely proud of what they have achieved, and we are excited to celebrate their work at the grand final event next month.”

The Trop Jr 16 Finalist Films are:

Bananas by Silas Forrest (VIC)
A little girl revisits the favourite places she used to go with her sister.

Big Fish by Austin Showler (VIC)
A stop-motion film made on an iPad with Lego bricks and scary toilet-roll sharks.

Bluestone by Josie Merkenich (VIC)
Two siblings take a shortcut home through a labyrinth of bluestone alleys, and a schoolyard legend comes to life.

BREATHE by Oscar Handelsmann (NSW)
A mysterious paper aeroplane interrupts a teenager’s endless scrolling and sets him off following coordinates through Sydney.

Clues by Ela Gullu and students from The School at AIPA Sydney (NSW)
A group of friends solve riddles, and each new clue reveals a piece of an ancient treasure map.

Lone Wolf by Phoenix Davidson (NSW)
An animation about George, who is all alone until a mysterious map leads him to a tiny cabin, where he builds a robot best friend.

Lost by Eveline O’Farrell (NSW)
A widower struggles with the loss of his wife as he tries to navigate his new life.

Map Of Me by Nola Bevan (NSW)
A stop-motion film about the things that make you happy, showing how different everyone’s personal maps can be.

Moon Bound by Sunny Lill (NSW)
A funny and heartfelt adventure about friendship, love and courage, as Buddy the dog follows his dream of travelling to the moon.

NEXT by Oscar Lindeman (VIC)
Thomas struggles with anxiety before an audition, and when something unexpected happens he must decide whether to face his fear or let it take over.

No Way Out by Mitch Gregory (WA)
A realistic, suspenseful psychological thriller that captures the horrible feeling of being trapped.

OFF TRACK by Otto Miskovic-Wheatley (NSW)

A recovered police tape follows a lone camper lost in the Blue Mountains, where strange sounds and a presence stalking him grow closer as the footage glitches and fails.

Secret Spot by Tom Walker (QLD)
A very Aussie take on the thrill of finding a secret fishing spot, and the even greater joy of out-fishing your Dad.

The Case of the Missing Sock by Daisy Ren (VIC)
A news reporter interviews a houseful of appliances in search of a missing sock, only to find it in the closet.

The Doll by Saachi Ti’en (WA)
Mourning her mum’s death, 15-year-old Hazel loses the one connection they still had.

Two Faced by Josh Brogan (ACT)
Based on real LGBTQIA+ youth experiences, this film explores the hidden toll of homophobia as one person learns to wear the face others want to see.

The Trop Jr finalists will screen their films at the Grand Final on Friday, December 4 at The Astor Theatre in Melbourne, giving these emerging storytellers a platform to share their voices with a full cinema on the big screen.

Produced by the newly established not-for-profit Tropfest Foundation in partnership with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), Trop Jr is a national short film festival aimed squarely at all young Australians, regardless of where they live, their background or their financial means. Providing an accessible national platform for students to create and share work, the new look Trop Jr festival runs across the school year, culminating in a grand final screening event in Melbourne. 

The ACTF has created a comprehensive resource to guide participants in creating their own short film, which includes a teacher’s guide and practical, step-by-step activities to support classroom delivery and independent participation. The resource also features the Trop Jr Masterclasses series, a set of short, practical virtual sessions designed to support young storytellers and the educators who work with them. Trop Jr alumni Charlotte McLaverty, Yianni Rowlands and the Macfarlane Brothers guide participants through sessions focused on a hands-on approach to making a short film scene using accessible techniques, Trop Jr education resources and everyday materials found around the house or classroom.

You can explore the Trop Jr resource here, or visit the Tropfest website for more information about Trop Jr.