MPA Debuts “Tropfest Runways” Program to Accelerate Australian Filmmaking Careers

With the successful return of Tropfest 2026 to Centennial Park, Sydney, meet Tropfest Runways powered by the Motion Picture Association (MPA). This new, MPA-led initiative is designed to provide high-potential filmmakers with a direct pipeline to the global film industry, bridging the gap between local success and international opportunity.

The festival showcase, which drew a live audience of 35,000, featured an international jury led by Jury President Margot Robbie alongside Sarah Snook, Taron Egerton, and James Cameron. During the ceremony, Stephen Jenner, MPA Vice President of Communications, Asia-Pacific, announced the Tropfest Runways program’s inaugural recipients: Lianne Mackessy (winner of Tropfest 2026 for Crescendo) and Benjamin Mathews (Best Cinematography for Project Hourglass).

As the architects of the program, the MPA will fly both recipients to Los Angeles for a week-long industry immersion hosted by MPA member studios. This continued partnership with Tropfest reinforces the MPA’s presence in the Australian screen sector and underscores its commitment to championing the next generation of global storytellers.