Sponsor 
PENANG – December 20, 2013 – Tropfest, one of the world’s most celebrated short films festivals, will make its Southeast Asian debut in Penang from January 20 to 25 next year.
Tropfest SEA, supported by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and Malaysia Major Events (MME), a division of Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, aims to position Malaysia as the regional hub in advancing the development of the filmmaking industry by honouring the artistic expressions of emerging filmmakers.
“We are privileged to host this prestigious festival that serves as a platform to discover, showcase, and provide new filmmakers a stage to launch their professional careers,” Joe Sidek, Managing Director or Tropfest SEA, said in a press release. “We have to date received over 180 submissions, an encouraging sign that the regional film industry is fast developing and ready to compete in the global arena.”
Tropfest was established 21 years ago in Australia with the aim of providing momentum to the creative preserve of short films; foster an opportunity for networking among young filmmakers, and to create awareness for their work.
Originally known as Tropicana Short Film Festival, Tropfest is the brainchild of John Polson. His idea was to celebrate short films with friends and colleagues. The first screening in Sydney attracted over 200 people; today, the annual event in Sydney draws crowds of over 100,000 and has expanded to New York, Abu Dhabi, New Zealand and now Malaysia.
Tropfest 2014 will open with a new segment, a Film Showcase, featuring a selection of films representative of the development and success of Southeast Asian cinema. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session by the directors/curators involved.
Another addition to the Festival is the Audience Choice Awards hosted by Viddsee.com, the official online screening partner. The public can watch the Tropfest SEA finalists’ films on the dedicated channel and vote for their favorite short films. The overall winner, based on the highest score, will receive an award of US$500.
Sidek noted, “We have a thriving creative community in Southeast Asia that deserves recognition, and we feel strongly that TROPFEST is the springboard to giving these independent filmmakers a chance to be seen and heard.”
Sidek added that the gap between the entertainment capitals and Asia continues to narrow with more Asians winning awards and making their mark in advertising, television, film, and music.
The festival, which is free to the public, also features live music and entertainment, red carpet arrivals, film screenings, drink kiosks, and public catering. Online registration for festival will commence starting on the 23 December. The public can log on to the Tropfest SEA website to register.
Another key event is Roughcut, a film symposium to be held one day before the start of Tropfest to be headlined by film directors, actors, producers, and writers.
“Hosting Tropfest South East Asia gives Malaysia the visibility to position itself as an emerging centre for the creative arts,” says Sidek. “This region is a haven for fresh talents, and we’re proud to be associated with a festival that provides the tools and resources to engage with influential international leaders.”
For more information, visit the Tropfest SEA 2014 website.
