Tropfest to be shown live on SBS2 annually
The organisers of one of the world’s biggest short film festivals, Tropfest, has signed a five-year agreement with SBS. The agreement means the festival will be shown on SBS2.
Tropfest was screened on SBS1 in February and garnered 181,000 – well below the expected numbers and placing it 50th on its night.
The announcement:
After successfully broadcasting the event on SBS ONE in February 2013, Tropfest will be shown live on SBS 2 every year, commencing with the next live event on 8 December 2013.
Tropfest Founder and Director, John Polson said: “In my wildest dreams I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect broadcast partner for Tropfest Australia than SBS 2. With the network’s commitment and passion for our event, we can continue to lead the way in quality short content both in Australia and around the world. We’re ecstatic that SBS 2 shares Tropfest’s vision to provide local and international filmmakers with the undisputed largest, most exciting audience in the world to tell their stories.”
Michael Laverty, Tropfest Managing Director said: “This partnership with SBS 2 offers our filmmakers the opportunity to share their stories with a larger audience than ever before. The SBS 2 audience is a Tropfest audience; diverse, savvy, and culturally aware. It’s a natural fit for us and we’re really excited about what’s to come.”
SBS 2 will also screen 13 weeks of additional Tropfest content in the lead up to the live event in Australia, including the best of previous Australian Tropfest films and films from other Tropfest events around the world including the US, Arabia, New Zealand and South East Asia.
SBS 2 will provide presenters at the event and show exclusive footage of the red carpet and behind the scenes.
Tropfest content will also be available via SBS’ online channels to create a multi-platform experience for viewers.
SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid: “Tropfest will become an important part of the calendar of events we showcase on our new channel for emerging culture, SBS 2 which is delivering on our Charter to be a broadcaster which is there for all Australians by broadening and deepening our reach with younger audiences across the platforms and devices they are choosing to use.”
Tony Iffland said: “Tropfest is an iconic Australian cultural event and is a perfect partner for the newly launched SBS 2. Both SBS 2 and Tropfest aim to push boundaries and surprise audiences, and share a passion for what’s now, what’s next and what’s different. We’re delighted to bring Tropfest free-to-air for all Australians for the next five years.”
Established in Sydney over 21 years ago, Tropfest has become the world’s largest short film festival. In Australia – and increasingly overseas – Tropfest is recognised for its enormous contribution to the development of the film industry by providing unique platforms for emerging and established filmmakers.
Judges in the past have included a who’s who of the international film community including Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Russell Crowe, Geoffrey Rush, Keanu Reeves, Sam Worthington, Ewan McGregor and many more.
The next live event will be later this year on 8 December 2013. The move of dates and venue – from The Domain to Centennial Park – reflects the increase in interest and live audiences that are being attracted to the event. Along with the long-term SBS partnership it signifies a substantial step in the long term development of the event.
Source: SBS press release.
What films will they show?
Filmmakers have wised up to what Tropfest is about.
The worm has turned but it appears not to be about the filmmakers. I look forward to a night of 5 minute iPhone videos on SBS.
User ID not verified.