This year was only the second time film-makers could submit their work on DVD and it is claimed that 90 percent of entrants did. Over 700 films were entered in this year's festival with more than one in ten entrants using High Definition Video. The quality of some of the entries, using the HD format is said to be very professional: a big change from the Tropfests' humble beginning 14 years ago.

Tropfest this year required all entrants to incorporate a bubble theme. Some of the themes included absurd parenting, unexpected meetings with deadly snakes and medical check-ups gone pear-shaped. 

John Polson, Creative Director and Founder of Sony Tropfest said, "The large amount of entries this year makes selecting the 16 finalists a tough task. It's such a thrill to be privy to the most talented filmmakers the country has to offer and we look forward to their movie premiere at the festival." Sony Australia will be offering the winner of Sony Tropfest a prize pack, including a HDV 1080i Handycam and other accessories valued over $3500.

See www.tropfest.com