Posted Monday 27 Jun 2016
Tropfest NZ is back on for 2017!
If you have been following the trail, you will have witnessed both the sad departure and blazing return all in the space of a couple of days of Tropfest. The festival once again take place on Saturday February 18, 2017, at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands New Plymouth.
The Festival saviours are Venture Taranaki and new festival sponsor South Pacific Pictures. ??To keep the fires of the festival ablaze organisers have also announced the Tropfest NZ 2017 TSI : FLAME. They hope this ignites the same passion in you as it has in them. ?They will be announcing the entry deadline shortly.
Tropfest NZ CEO Suzanne Porter said: "We're immensely grateful for the support we've received at such short notice from South Pacific Pictures and Venture Taranaki and we're delighted we can continue to present and develop the iconic festival and present a free event to the people of Taranaki."
"The calibre of South Pacific's work and their stature within the industry is a great asset to Tropfest NZ and we're very much looking forward to working with them to promote and support NZ filmmakers."
South Pacific Pictures CEO Kelly Martin said they were "very pleased to support Tropfest - and as a result, to support new and up and coming film makers in New Zealand. We're looking forward to seeing another strong line-up of films in the 2017 event."
John Barnett, former CEO and Chairman of South Pacific Pictures and New Zealand's unofficial godfather of Film and TV has been a long-time Tropfest NZ ambassador was thrilled to learn the show will go on, saying "Tropfest NZ provides a great opportunity for NZ screen talent and its continuing presence will be welcomed by all. Congratulations to all."
Venture Taranaki, which administers the Major Event Fund on behalf of the New Plymouth District Council, has been a foundation sponsor of Tropfest NZ since its inception. "The region continues to attract creative entrepreneurs who help to build Taranaki's reputation for innovation and design. Tropfest is a valuable addition to the creative economy," said Venture Taranaki Chief Executive Stuart Trundle.
Tropfest Founder and Director John Polson said he was blown away by the support the festival had received. "The industry and community have spoken and they're not ready to lose Tropfest. I look forward to seeing the entries for the 2017 competition and I urge anyone interested in filmmaking to start thinking about submitting a film."
Porter said the festival would still be running at a small loss but the bigger picture had to be taken into account. "Presenting in 2017 means we are now be able to continue making lasting partnerships and ensuring the long-term survival of the festival."
Remember: The main screening event will be held in New Plymouth at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands on Saturday, February 18, 2017 so SAVE THE DATE!