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VIDEO: The Hustler | John Polson
John Polson revived Tropfest after the festival's six-year hiatus. (Getty Images: Ben Sklar/Contour RA)
John Polson was a troubled teen when a sliding doors moment led him into the world of acting. He went on to create Tropfest, one of the world's biggest short film festivals, changing his life and the Australian industry.
Although he now has a successful career in the US, Polson recently returned to Australia to oversee the triumphant revival of Tropfest after a six-year hiatus.
The episode includes interviews with director George Miller, actors Simon Baker and Mary Coustas and producer Bruna Papandrea.
ABC feature article | John Polson was headed for jail. One phone call changed his life forever
Australian Story: May 11
Tropfest, one of the world’s largest short film festivals, returned this year after a six-year breakand no-one was happier than founder, John Polson.
Created by Polson in 1993 at Sydney’s Tropicana Caffe, Tropfest has been a launching pad for Australian film talent, from the Edgerton brothers to Rebel Wilson to director Justin Kurzel.
Its success was a huge achievement for Polson, whose troubled childhood almost led him down a different path.
“He was seconds away from prison … he was delinquent,” says friend and film producer Bruna Papandrea.
Then, in a sliding doors moment, Polson discovered acting. “Suddenly I was part of a community,” says Polson. “Acting saved me.”
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Can TROPFEST reclaim its place in Australian film?
Tonight’s episode of Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview shines a spotlight on John Polson, the filmmaker and founder of Tropfest, as he reflects on the dramatic highs and lows behind one of Australia’s most influential film events.
The episode, titled The Hustler, comes as Tropfest returns this year after a six-year absence, marking a major comeback for the short film festival first launched by Polson in 1993 at Sydney’s Tropicana Caffe.
Over the decades, the festival became a proving ground for emerging Australian talent, helping launch the careers of stars including the Edgerton brothers, Rebel Wilson and director Justin Kurzel.
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