Tropfest have announced their 16 finalists for this year's February event and, for the first time in 25 years, 50% of the finalists are women.
Working within the guidelines of the 'Signature Item' — a pineapple — this year, finalists include Arielle Thomas and Ellenor Argyropoulos' Meat And Potatoes, Julia Morris' Can't I Sh#t In Peace, Sarah Hatherley's The Birth and Matt Day's The Mother Situation.
Tropfest's founder and chairman John Polson says, "It’s wonderful to see the entrants this year reflecting a vast range of diversity and gender.
"Over the past 12 months, we’ve made a major effort to attract women to enter Tropfest — with help from people like Lucy Liu and producer Bruna Papandrea — so it’s incredibly exciting to see that effort pay off."
The short film festival will find its home in Parramatta this year with a panel of industry judges and Hollywood star Rose Byrne taking the Head Of Jury role.
Check out the full list of 2017 finalists below.
