Attending Tropfest in Sydney 2011

This year's Tropfest was yet another success. The festival started in 1993 with only four entrants has expanded to this year's 700+ entrant's event. This is the world's largest short film festival after all, and is where all the emerging film makers come to shine and a chance for local stardoms to get involved with the community.

We arrived around 4pm in time to catch glimpses of local celebrities walk down the red carpet. Claiming a patch of grass for our group of eight, we still had a few hours to wait before the screening starts, a band was playing on the stage and we while the time away with cheese and wine.

The crowds grew exponentially in the next two hours and by the time 7pm came, the entire area of the Domain are covered with picnic rugs and expectant pairs of eyes. Finally when the clock hits 8, the official screening started and we were mesmerized for the next hour and a half with fascinating and creative short films.

This year's theme was 'KEY'. We watched the 15 finalist films as each portrayed their own interpretation and display of keys. I find myself laughing at the obscene, and crying at the sentimental. One memorable moment flew my heart around the city with The Maestro, a film on a man's journey into making every bit of the city into a symphonic master piece. His passion for music, and the intensity of how the music fits into the beat of the city, it was brilliant.

We applauded after each film, and finally, at the end of the last film it was time to find out the winner. I crossed my fingers in the hope that The Maestro might make it to the top, but another musical number was awarded first prize - The Animal Beat Box. I am sure it wasn't an easy task for the judges, and much to my delight, The Maestro did end up claiming the third prize.

Tropfest is on each year in February at the Domain in Sydney and is screened in various different locations in the world. To attend the Sydney event, it is always recommended to arrive early and get a good spot. Gather a group of friends and make it a picnic day like we always do, and enjoy a good day out on a warm Sunday afternoon!

Movie Extra Tropfest
The Domain, Sydney www.tropfest.com/