Tropfest cancelled for 2015

Short film festival Tropfest, which screens on SBS 2, won’t go ahead on December 6 after founder and director John Polson launched legal action over the alleged “irresponsible mismanagement” of funds by the management company.

Fairfax reports a six-figure hole was found in its finances.

“It is devastating for me to announce today that Tropfest will not be taking place as scheduled in Centennial Park this year,” he said in a statement.

“In the past week or so, I have been made aware that the company contracted to raise the funding and administer the Tropfest event is unable to move forward for financial reasons.

“Despite a challenging sponsorship climate, Tropfest has done reasonably well in attracting support this year; however, to my great surprise, the management company has informed us that it is unable to proceed.

“It goes without saying that this announcement is the most difficult one I’ve made in Tropfest’s 23 year history,” he adds.

More than 450 filmmakers entered shorts this year.

“My heart goes out to this year’s 16 filmmaking finalists, to our incredible list of sponsors and partners, and of course to our loyal and beloved audience.”

“It is too early to tell what has actually happened here, although it is hard to avoid concluding there has been a terrible and irresponsible mismanagement of Tropfest funds.

“I and others will be spending the coming weeks and months investigating what has transpired.”