Press release from Cardinal Spin
Trop Jr – the world’s largest short film festival for kids, by kids – is inviting young filmmakers to unleash their creativity on the big screen. Entries for the junior Tropfest are now open, giving filmmakers aged 15 years and under an opportunity to show off their talents and walk the red carpet for the first time.
A booty of great prizes is up for grabs, along with the thrill of having your film broadcast around Australia. Trop Jr finalists will also have their short films screened at the Domain in Sydney ahead of the iconic Movie Extra Tropfest event on Sunday 19 February 2012.
Entries close on Thursday 5 January, 2012, and kids can enter online at www.tropjr.com. To be eligible, young filmmakers need to create a film that is no longer than seven minutes, as well as featuring the Trop Jr Signature Item for 2012 – JUICE.
Tropfest Founder and Director, John Polson says, “Trop Jr is all about fostering a love of film in young kids. It’s about giving young filmmakers a voice, to get out there and explore their creativity, tell their story and share ideas.”
“Now in its fifth year Trop Jr just keeps growing. The number of entries have doubled year-on –year for the past couple of years, and I think that is a clear indication of the level of passion that’s out there with young filmmakers.”
Last year 15 year-old Simeon Bain beat 13 other finalists with his film “Imagine” an action flick that dealt with a seemingly average teenager who turns into a highly trained special operative after receiving an order from headquarters.
Bain says, “I loved entering Trop Jr. Being able to have my film played to thousands of people was an awesome experience. Since then I’ve been able to work on some great film projects. I’ve been able to learn a lot and chase my dream of being a filmmaker.”
Back for the second year, the Onitsuka Tiger Prize – for fearless filmmaking, recognises brave and bold filmmaking. The winner gets the opportunity to create a short film inspired by athletic footwear brand, Onitsuka Tiger. The winner is paired up with a past Tropfest finalist who will guide and mentor the junior filmmaker through the entire filmmaking process.
Bain, who also took out the Onitsuka Tiger Prize in 2011, will showcase his short film at the 2012 Festival.
“Trop Jr is about the strength of the idea. You don’t need fancy equipment or a degree in filmmaking, all you need is a great story” says Polson. “Last year Simeon wowed crowds and took home two of the major prizes with a film that was created using a mobile phone.”
The Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), the founding Presenting Partner of Trop Jr, is again providing invaluable support to the festival. ABC3, ABC TV’s dedicated children’s digital channel, returns as Major Media Partner and Trop Jr welcomes LOL Juice as a new major partner for 2012.
Trop Jr has become major draw card for young film lovers across the nation, attracting thousands of fans every year. Organisers anticipate this year will become even bigger!
Visit www.tropjr.com for entry information and subscribe to Trop Jr News for regular updates. If you’re too old for Trop Jr, visit Movie Extra Tropfest Australia at www.tropfest.com/au for festival details.
Images – www.flickr.com/tropfest