The 7 Best Tropfest Films Of All Time You Need To Inhale Immediately
It’s Tropfest season, baby; every film nerd’s favourite time of the year.
As the summer comes to a close, one must prepare for its final act: heading down to Sydney’s Centennial Park on February 22 to watch Tropfest’s annual Short Film Festival screening. With this year’s jury headed by Academy Award nominated actor and producer Margot Robbie, this is a night you simply can’t afford to miss (it’s also streaming live on YouTube, so no excuses).
In preparation for attending this blockbuster evening, it felt absolutely imperative that I revisit some of my fave entries of all time.
So grab some popcorn, sit back and relax as I rank seven of my favourite Tropfest short films from perfect length to ‘we need a sequel’.
7. Shock
Stepping into the shoes of an Aussie shock jock, this short film follows a radio host as he regrets all of his life choices — a feeling I’m sure we can all relate to.
The genius of this film really lies in its length. Although only a humble four minutes and 18 seconds, I could feel the absolute agony behind every moment. It was as if I had to show up and host the radio show myself. Luckily, given the short run time, the pain was overshadowed by the hilarity of the film (any longer and it would’ve been too real).
Side note: Something about the film being dedicated to Kyle Sandilands is so iconic to me.
6. Ground Hero
Now, when I tell people that I like dark humour, THIS is what I’m talking about.
When a severed hand is found on a job site, a hilarious series of events sees resentment build in the wackiest way possible.
The prosthetic hand, the bad New Yorker accents, the action figure commercial — everything about this film is a masterclass in writing a running joke.
The original track, “I’ll Give You A Hand”, during the credits roll was the absolute cherry on top.
5. Tragic Love
This is the level of delulu I rep every day, perfectly captured in five minutes and 42 seconds.
The concept of this film tickles my funny bone in just the right way. There’s something so ridiculous (yet genius) about making a spoof about making a spoof for a film competition. Spoof-ception, if you will.
Am I the only one who would actually watch the fake film, though? The bizarre casting alone would have me sat front row, with fists of popcorn and fits of laughter.
4. An Imaginary Life
A real punch to the gut, this short film is all about our imaginary friends and the lives they lead after we forget them. As anyone who’s seen Pixar’s Inside Out will know, this topic can be especially emotional (#justiceforBingBong).
This film’s blend of animation styles is so satisfying to the eye, and with such a raw and emotional message, the ending is enough to make a grown man cry.
Also, as much as I think the plot of this one wrapped up perfectly, ‘Forgotten Imaginaries Anonymous’ needs its own spin-off for real.
3. Glitch
This film blew my mind the first time I saw it. From the unique concept and top-notch acting to the flawless editing, this short film is an absolute masterpiece.
The film opens as a house inspector turns up to an average Aussie sharehouse that’s experiencing the most abnormal phenomena, and from there, it just gets weirder and weirder. Although I loved how the ending was a banger of a punchline (which I won’t spoil), I was left absolutely dying to know what happens next.
Nonetheless, it’s getting 10 points from me for that twist ending alone.
2. Rock Bottom
This animated short follows the conversations of one deeply nihilistic bug chatting with a customer at a local dive bar. I think I could listen to this duo’s takes on life for hours. They’re like the perfect manifestation of all our internal monologues.
My fave take in particular was their perspective on IKEA, calling it a “metaphor for coming of age in a capitalist society,” and then proceeding to comment that the furniture names are just “onomatopoeia for dreams when they die,” which might be the most diabolically hilarious thing I’ve ever heard.
More please!
1. Great White Hunters
This may seem like a rogue pick for the number one spot, but it has to be the most camp thing I’ve ever seen in my life.
A tongue-in-cheek doco, this flick follows a group of locals who’ve decided to fish for sharks from shore.
There are so many quotable moments in this. My favourite had to be when old mate declared he “can’t even surf” and then proceeded to surf in the shark-infested waters. What were you thinking, king?
I’m going to need this signed on for six seasons with 24 episodes each, please and thanks.
Well, there you have it, a solid list of Tropfest greats, and there’s no doubt that this year’s festival will churn out heaps more classics to join them.
So if you’re looking to experience the magic of Aussie filmmaking this summer, grab your mates, some tasty snacks and head down to Sydney’s Centennial Park on February 22, for Tropfest’s annual screening of all the best entries.
You’ll enjoy laughs, music, food, and cinema, all with a good ol’ Aussie twist.
Oh, and did we mention it’s free entry? Truly a ‘be there or be square’ moment.
But if you truly can’t make it (the FOMO would be painfully real), never fear, because the whole event will be streaming live on YouTube.
Catch ya there, bestie.
