Susan Sarandon to visit Parramatta for Tropfest 2018

OSCAR winner Susan Sarandon will be in Parramatta next month as a head juror for short film festival Tropfest.

Susan Sarandon will be judging this year’s Tropfest in Sydney. Picture: AFP

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HOLLYWOOD heavyweight Susan Sarandon will be in Parramatta next month as a head juror for short film festival Tropfest.

Fresh off a Golden Globe nomination for Feud, Sarandon will be in town for what marks only the second time in its 26-year history that Tropfest will be held in Parramatta Park.

“I love Australia and am extremely excited to be coming to Sydney in February for Tropfest,” Sarandon said.

Sarandon was reunited with her Thelma and Louise co-star Geena Davis at the Golden Globes. Picture: AP

“There is an enormous amount of film talent down under, so I’m looking forward to watching all of these amazing short films showcasing Australia’s vibrant diversity.”

The Thelma and Louise star joins a lineage of famous jury members that includes Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett, and succeeds Bridesmaids actress Rose Byrne, who was 2017’s head juror.

It’s a major coup for the festival, which just two years ago was threatened with extinction due to lack of funds.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Susan Sarandon, a true cinematic legend, head the Tropfest jury this year,” Tropfest founder John Polson said.

Last year’s Tropfest took place in 40C degree heat at Parramatta Park. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“It’s not every day an Oscar winner sits down to watch your short film, so I know our finalists will be beside themselves with excitement.”

This year, filmmakers have been encouraged to submit entries that showcase greater cultural diversity and must include the 2018 signature item of a rose. The festival has also announced that for the first time, the ABC will be the broadcast partner.

The outdoor festival has been attended by more than 1.6 million people since its inception in a Darlinghurst cafe in 1993 and has spread globally.

Rose Byrne on the Black Carpet at Tropfest 2017. Picture: Tim Hunter.

In 2015 a funding crisis forced the event to be cancelled, with a joint effort by Miller and general insurance company CGU resurrecting the brand.

Previously held at inner-Sydney venues The Domain and Centennial Park, it was forced to move to Parramatta in order to remain financially viable.

See the finalists at Tropfest at Parramatta Park on February 17.

Tropfest was previously held at The Domain before shifting to Parramatta Park in 2016. Picture: Attila Szilvasi