Tropfest, once a cornerstone of Australia’s cultural landscape, is poised for a remarkable comeback. This revival is driven by an unexpected coalition, including Racing NSW boss Peter V’landys and philanthropist Sarah Murdoch, a member of the influential Murdoch family. The festival, which began in a modest Darlinghurst café in 1993, grew to become a major event, attracting nearly 200,000 attendees at its peak before its abrupt cessation in 2019 due to financial mismanagement.
The relaunch of Tropfest is now underway, marked by the quiet registration of the Tropfest Foundation as a company on July 2. Its principal place of business is notably listed at Mr. V’landys’s Racing NSW headquarters. Serving as a director, Mr. V’landys is joined by an impressive roster of high-profile figures from media, finance, and film, highlighting his extensive network.
The Power of Connections
The involvement of Sarah Murdoch, a renowned philanthropist and global ambassador for the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, adds significant weight to the Tropfest Foundation’s board. Alongside her is Richard Weinberg, a real estate investor, and actor Bryan Brown, a celebrated figure in Australian cinema who recently won a Logie for his role in the Netflix series “Boy Swallows Universe.”
Mr. V’landys, who also serves as the CEO of Racing NSW and Chair of the Australian Rugby League Commission, has strong ties to Sarah Murdoch’s husband, Lachlan Murdoch. Lachlan, the chair of News Corp, is a pivotal figure in the media landscape, with interests that include the Brisbane Broncos, the NRL’s wealthiest team. The Murdochs’ presence alongside Mr. V’landys at the NRL’s inaugural Las Vegas venture in 2024 underscores their collaborative efforts.
Strategic Alliances and Future Plans
Mr. V’landys’s recent meeting with Lachlan Murdoch in the United States aimed to expand the NRL’s global reach. He praised Murdoch’s influence, stating,
“Lachlan’s impact at FOX has been a massive help, especially with the NRL’s Las Vegas 2025 matches airing on the free-to-air US broadcaster.”
Their collaboration signifies a strategic push to break into the US market, with Lachlan Murdoch holding a key role in these efforts. Meanwhile, Sarah Murdoch and Richard Weinberg’s involvement in a Sydney screening of the documentary “October 8 — Globalise the Intifada” highlights their active engagement in cultural and social issues.
Reviving a Cultural Icon
John Polson, the founder of Tropfest, recalls the festival’s humble beginnings and its rise to international acclaim. However, financial challenges led to its unexpected downfall. Polson, reflecting on the festival’s history, noted,
“I was in New York when I learned the world’s largest short film festival, the festival I had founded 23 years earlier, somehow did not have the money to stage it.”
The current directors of the Tropfest Foundation, including Weinberg, who co-founded TV production company KarlinBerg Entertainment, are committed to restoring the festival’s former glory. Weinberg’s entrepreneurial spirit and connections to the entertainment industry, including collaborations with TV host Karl Stefanovic, position him as a valuable asset in this endeavor.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Tropfest
Peter V’landys has expressed his vision for the festival’s future, stating his desire to revive the short film festival under a new name. However, it appears that the original name, Tropfest, will continue to carry its legacy forward. A spokesperson for Tropfest hinted at exciting developments, saying,
“There are a lot of exciting things happening behind the scenes, and all will be revealed soon. The next generation of this country’s best and brightest screen talent should get ready. A new chapter is about to begin.”
The official announcement of Tropfest’s revival is anticipated in the coming weeks, promising to usher in a new era for Australia’s beloved short film festival. As the festival prepares to open its doors once more, the collaboration between V’landys, Murdoch, and their esteemed colleagues signifies a powerful commitment to nurturing Australia’s creative talent and cultural heritage.
