sony tropfest 2008
February 18, 2008
It happened yesterday in Australia, the 16th edition of the Sony Tropfest, the world’s largest short film festival. The event was broadcasted live from The Botanic Gardens Trust, in Sydney, transmitted simultaneously to every state capital and eight regional centres, having no cover charge for any of its locations.
The competition had over 600 entries this year, starring independent filmmakers from several countries around the world, such as Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Denmark, Austria, France, Germany, the United States, South Africa, New Zealand, and of course, Australia.
The event has three main rules: the films cannot exceed seven minutes; the event has to be their premiere screening; and each film must include the Tropfest Signature Item (TSI), confirming that the film was produced exclusively for the festival. The TSI chosen for 2008 was the number ‘8′.
The event has expended its frontiers overseas; having had its second edition in New York City last september, taking place at the Battery Park in downtown. The edition had over 8,000 people attending. Having a successful repercussion, the event will be happening again on October 11, 2008.
Back to the other side of the world, in parallel with the aussie edition, the organizers have launched the Trop Jr, being the world’s largest short film festival for kids, by kids. The event also happened yesterday, just hours before Sony Tropfest’s regular program.
Needless to say how incredible was having the chance to experience the event, and being one of the 150,000 people that gathered together to watch the 16 finalists. The weather couldn’t be better, with a big, bright, and yellow sun keeping the thermometers over the 30 degrees mark all day. As the sun went down and the presentations came on, my thoughts couldn’t be other: what an amazing and cultural country I’m living in.
For my filmmaker friends, and for all of those involved in the film industry, I highly recommend working on something outstanding to participate in the next year’s edition. For the sponsors, filmmakers, and each one of those australian citizens; permanent residents; and others not so permanent, that were part of that outrageous event yesterday, I have only one thing to say:
BRAVO!
(followed by the endless claps)
for more info visit the official website:
