The Australian actors will help champion the next generation of filmmakers as entries for the 2026 Trop Jr short film festival enter their final week.

Australian actors Miah Madden and Chloé Hayden have been announced as the first ambassadors and judges for Trop Jr 2026, with young filmmakers across the country having just one week left to submit their entries.

Madden, whose credits include My Brilliant Career and Dive Club, and Hayden, best known for Heartbreak High and her bestselling book Different, Not Less, will join the judging panel for the festival’s grand final at Melbourne’s Astor Theatre on December 4.

Powered by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), Trop Jr is billed as the world’s largest short film festival for kids, by kids, providing a national platform for emerging filmmakers aged 15 and under.

Submissions close on Friday, October 23, with entrants invited to create an original short film running no longer than five minutes. This year’s Trop Jr Signature Item (TSI) is a “Map”, which must appear in some form in every entry.

The competition is free to enter, with organisers emphasising creativity and storytelling over expensive equipment or production values.

“I’m so excited and honoured to be on the judging panel for Trop Jr 2026,” Hayden said. “I can’t wait to see what Australia’s budding young creatives have offered up this year!”

Madden also encouraged aspiring filmmakers to take advantage of the final week of submissions.

“Sharing your voice has never been more important than it is now,” she said. “We want to hear your story, so submit your short films into Trop Jr now!”

Tropfest founder and director John Polson welcomed the involvement of both actors, describing them as inspiring role models for young Australians interested in filmmaking.

“We’re so excited to have Miah and Chloé on board as ambassadors and judges for Trop Jr 2026,” Polson said.

“Both bring their own unique perspectives, creativity and passion for storytelling, making them fantastic role models for the next generation of young filmmakers. We hope their involvement inspires more kids to pick up a camera, give filmmaking a go and share the stories that matter to them.”

The festival has been reimagined for a new generation of storytellers and is produced by the newly established not-for-profit Tropfest Foundation, chaired by Sarah Murdoch, in partnership with the ACTF. The Foundation is led by executive director Britt Wickes.

In a first for Trop Jr, the ACTF has aligned the festival with the Australian Curriculum Version 9.0, incorporating Media Arts, English, and Critical and Creative Thinking.

The organisation has also developed educational resources to help young filmmakers bring their ideas to life, including a teacher’s guide, practical filmmaking activities and a series of online masterclasses.

The Trop Jr Masterclasses feature former participants Charlotte McLaverty, Yianni Rowlands and the Macfarlane Brothers, who offer advice on creating short films using accessible techniques and everyday materials.

Sixteen finalists will be selected to screen their films at the December 4 grand final, where Madden and Hayden will be joined by additional judges yet to be announced.

For finalists travelling from outside Melbourne, organisers will provide return flights and accommodation for up to four people, including parents or guardians.

The winning filmmaker will receive a prize package valued at more than $1,500, with further prizes to be announced.

With the submission deadline approaching, organisers are encouraging young Australians not to be deterred by the limited time remaining, noting that previous Trop Jr and Tropfest finalists have created successful entries at the last minute.

Entries for Trop Jr 2026 close Friday, October 23. The grand final takes place at Melbourne’s Astor Theatre on December 4.

For entry details and further information, visit tropfest.com.