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Following on from the recent news that Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon is heading the Jury this year, Tropfest today announced the 16 finalist films for Tropfest 2018, supported by foundation partner CGU Insurance. Diverse cultural perspectives, poignant dramas and hilarious comedies take center stage in the kaleidoscope of films set to premiere on Saturday 17 February 2018 at Parramatta Park, on a live national broadcast on ABC COMEDY, and livestreamed online on YouTube globally.
“This year marks the most culturally diverse line-up of films Tropfest has ever seen!” said Founder and Executive Chair John Polson. “Having also achieved substantial gender diversity, these finalist films truly represent a great mix of Australian narratives — from the experiences of immigrants, to reflections on racial perceptions in society, incredible true stories, rich emotional journeys and raucous comedies.”
All 16 finalists have referenced this year’s Tropfest Signature Item (TSI), ‘ROSE.’ Finalists will walk the black carpet at the main event, where they will have their films judged by a panel of industry leaders, this year headed up by Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon.
Their films will be enjoyed by thousands of Trop fans in Parramatta Park, and across the live national broadcast on ABC COMEDY, as well as on ABC iview, and livestreamed online on YouTube globally.
Prizes up for grabs include: a shiny new Equinox LTZ valued at over $45,000 courtesy of Exclusive Automotive Partner Holden; $10,000 cash courtesy of Kennedy Miller Mitchell; and a film immersion course and ‘week of meetings’ in Los Angeles, with agents, studio executives and other industry professionals courtesy of the Motion Picture Association.
For festival details, screening venues and regular updates on all things Trop visit:
Website: www.tropfest.org.au
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Twitter: www.twitter.com/TROPFEST
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tropfest
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TROPFEST
10 x NSW Finalists, 5 x VIC Finalists, 1 x QLD Finalists NEW SOUTH WALES FINALISTS Title: Boys Don't Cry Finalist: Nick Ward (Mosman, NSW) Age: 16 Genre: Drama Language: English Logline: The collective experience surrounding teenage mental health. Title: Combination Fried Rice Finalist: Simon Folwer (Annandale, NSW) Age: 30 Genre: Thriller, Comedy Language: English Logline: The government, an alien cover-up, and an online conspiracy enthusiast. A combination that could turn this delivery boy’s first food order, into his last meal. Title: Mi País, Tu País (My Country, Your Country) Finalist: Genevieve Gorman Deane (Paddington, NSW – currently based in LA, California) Age: 21 Location filmed: Los Angeles Genre: Drama Language: Spanish Logline: Mi País, Tu País (My Country, Your Country) explores aspects of today's US Political Climate and the prejudices against the Latin American community within the United States. Title: Don't Rain on My Parade Finalists: Steve Potter and Byron Meers (Potts Point, NSW) Genre: Comedy Language: English Logline: A day in the life of a man who loves his job...a bit too much. Title: Phenomena Finalist: Izzy Stevens (St Ives, NSW) Age: 24 Genre: Psychological Thriller Language: English Logline: Phenomena is about Emma, a young woman who begins to see a second version of herself. As the puzzle unfolds, we finally come to understand that something significant has occurred to cause this fracturing. Title: Rash Decision Finalist: John Cavallaro (Olympic Park, NSW) Age: 35 Genre: Comedy Language: English Logline: Adam arrives home after his honeymoon to discover that he has an unexplainable rash. Was it his wife Belle or is he guilty of a darker past? Title: Regime Finalist: Jessica Phoebe Knox (Northmead, NSW) Language: Arabic Genre: Drama Logline: The daily regime of a 30 year old Syrian Woman during Syria’s brutal civil war - which knows no regime. Title: Rock Bottom Finalists: Nick Baker and Tristan Klein (Petersham, NSW) Ages: Both 32 Genre: Comedy, Animation Language: English Logline: Welcome to Rock Bottom - a filthy underground bar, full of filthy underground bugs. Title: SMOOTH Finalist: Joel Phillips (West Ryde, NSW) Age: 32 Genre: Comedy, Romance Language: English Logline: A guy waits at the front door for his Valentine's date. Title: The Life I’ve Seen Finalist: James Carr (Ultimo, NSW) Age: 31 Language: English Genre: Drama Logline: Perth grandmother Shirley Affleck reflects on a life well-lived and the lessons learned along the way with her husband of 67 years. VICTORIA FINALISTS Title: Cannot Predict Now Finalist: Nikki Richardson (St Kilda East, VIC) Age: 28 Genre: Coming of Age Language: English Logline: Jess prepares to move out of her childhood bedroom as her little sister Emily prepares to move in. Title: Last Man Standing Finalist: Lucy Knox (Collingwood, VIC) Age: 27 Genre: Documentary Language: English Logline: Australia’s last remaining motion picture film processor contemplates the impact his impending retirement will have on the future of film in Australia. Title: The Last Time I Saw You Finalist: Damian McLindon (Fitzroy North, VIC) Age: 39 Genre: Drama Language: English Logline: A 16 year old Hazara Muslim refugee confronts a trio of mean girls at school. Title: Paper Cut Finalist: Virginia Gay (Collingwood, VIC) Age: 34 Genre: Comedy, Thriller Language: English Logline: Alone at night in a computer lab, a man is terrorized by a rogue printer. Title: Two Piece Finalist: Greta Nash (East Melbourne, VIC) Age: 23 Genre: Coming of Age, Drama Language: English Logline: Ava is on the way to the beach with her mum Kelly and little brother Wally, but before they go she needs to find a new swimsuit. At the age of 13, this task is nowhere near as simple as it sounds. QUEENSLAND FINALIST Title: I’m Still Here Finalist: Steve Baker (Graceville, QLD) Age: 43 Genre: Romance, Animation Language: English Logline: As nuclear war looms, a woman must make a final phone call.
