Trop Jr is back! Submissions now open for 2026

After a seven-year hiatus, Australia’s largest short film festival for kids is back, giving young Australians a national platform to share stories, gain filmmaking skills, and have a chance to see their work celebrated on the big screen.

Produced by the newly established not-for-profit Tropfest Foundation and powered by the Australian Children's Television Foundation (ACTF), the reimagined festival is now open for submissions from filmmakers aged 15 and under across Australia.

Submissions close on 18 September 2026.

Trop Jr is designed to be accessible to all young people, regardless of where they live or their filmmaking experience. Entry is free, with a focus on creativity, imagination and storytelling rather than expensive equipment or production values.

Participants are invited to create an original short film of five minutes or less that incorporates the 2026 Trop Jr Signature Item (TSI): "Map". The item can be interpreted in any way, as long as it appears somewhere in the film.

The festival runs throughout the school year before culminating in a live Grand Final event at Melbourne's Astor Theatre on Friday 4 December 2026, where 16 finalists will have their films screened on the big screen and walk the festival's Green Carpet.

For finalists travelling from outside Melbourne, return flights and accommodation will be provided for up to four people, including parents or guardians. The overall winner will also receive a prize pack valued at more than $1,500.

A key feature of the new-look Trop Jr is its connection to learning, with the festival now aligned to the Australian Curriculum Version 9.0 across the Arts: Media Arts, English and the General Capability Critical and Creative Thinking.

To support participation in classrooms and at home, the ACTF has developed a range of free educational resources, including a teacher guide and classroom activities designed to help students plan, create and submit their films.

The ACTF has also launched the Trop Jr Masterclass series, practical virtual sessions featuring Trop Jr alumni Charlotte McLaverty, Yianni Rowlands and the Macfarlane Brothers. The sessions provide hands-on filmmaking advice using simple techniques, Trop Jr resources and everyday materials commonly found in homes and classrooms.

Tropfest Founder and Director John Polson said: "We're so excited to be relaunching a new and improved Trop Jr, specifically designed around the school year, and we can't wait to see what Australia's next generation of great storytellers creates. A huge thank you to our partners at the Australian Children's Television Foundation for their tireless work reaching schools across the country and helping teachers inspire their students to make a film."

ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland said: "Young people have incredible stories to tell, and Trop Jr gives them a national stage to share their ideas, creativity and unique perspectives. Whether they live in a city, regional town or remote community, every child deserves the chance to have their voice heard. We're thrilled to help bring Trop Jr back and support a new generation of storytellers to create, connect and show Australia the world through their eyes."

Find out more at https://www.tropfest.com/tropjr

Explore the Trop Jr Teacher Guide and Education Resource here.

Access the Trop Jr Masterclass series here.

Can't wait until the Grand Final? Visit the Tropfest YouTube channel to watch past Trop Jr finalists and award-winning films.