In contrast to last year when it was so hot that the Trop Jnr films were transferred indoors, the announcements of the finalists for Trop Jnr this year was full of shivers. At Old Government House Rotunda, Parramatta Park there was no shortage of lip gloss, leather jackets protecting young men and women from the wind and of course, caps on backwards. Nervous chatter from the young people and proud mums and dads comparing notes about other events and the legalities of copyright filled the space before a laughter filled group photo of the many creatives in front of the Tropfest Wall.
The signature item for Trop Jnr this year was RAINBOW and I had the opportunity to speak to some of the inspiring young film makers who will compete for the Trop Jr prizes of : a $2,500 cash prize and 12 month Gold Pass courtesy of Venue and Screening Event Cinemas; a visit to an upcoming Australian film shoot to meet the director, visit departments and watch how it’s all done on-set, and a DVD gift pack all thanks to supporter Motion Picture Association; a $500 film course voucher from supporter AFTRS, and a trophy by Dinosaur Designs.