Tropfest Australia has announced the 16 talented finalists for the 2013 edition of the film festival. This year’s selection is an eclectic mix of experienced and new filmmakers and a diverse selection of genres.

From documentary to animation, with the staple comedy and drama packed in between, Tropfest 2013 is shaping up to be a brilliant showcase of the work of Australia’s creative minds. You can tell just by reading the notes on the making of these films that we’re in for an amazing night of film – the stories in these production notes are film-worthy themselves.

Films vying for the Tropfest trophy include “Cargo,” the adventures of a man stranded in the midst of a zombie apocalypse who set in motion an unlikely plan to protect the precious cargo he carries: his infant daughter; “CA$H COW - a 63% true story,” a film based on true events, tells the story of the actor who dresses as the Cash Cow on Channel 7's SUNRISE enters the cash giveaway on Channel 9's arch rival program TODAY and “Better Than Sinatra,” the story of Raymond Borzelli, an elderly pensioner, who wanders the streets of Sydney, seeking out music to dance to, a small taste of fame, and a few hours of happiness.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris, said the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, is proud to support Tropfest 2013, the world’s largest short film festival.

“Tropfest has a long history of success in Sydney, a city that is not only recognised as a UNESCO City of Film, but is also Australia’s creative hub,” Mr Souris says.

“Tropfest is an important feature on the NSW Events Calendar, and joins a number of Sydney’s fantastic free outdoor events including Sydney New Year’s Eve, Sydney Festival and Sydney Mardi Gras Parade. A launch pad for filmmakers of all ages, having a film screened at Tropfest can be the start of a very exciting career in film. I would like to wish all finalists the best of luck,” Mr. Souris continues.

On Sunday February 17, the Finalist films will screen live at the Domain, Sydney and at venues across Australia to a crowd of around 150,000 and to a judging panel of celebrities and industry heavyweights – past judges include Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor & Geoffrey Rush – who will together decide the champion of Tropfest 2013.

Watch the 2012 Official Tropfest Trailer below