AI-generated film at Tropfest 2026 sparks filmmaker backlashDBy Declan Bowring702 ABC SydneyTopic:Film Industry57m ago57 minutes agoThu 5 Mar 2026 at 3:32amSYD CONFIDENTIAL was among the 16 finalists at Tropfest 2026. (Supplied: Tropfest)In short: Filmmakers have slammed the selection of a completely AI-generated film as a finalist at the recently returned Tropfest short film festival.Tropfest's founder says the film complied with the competition's rules but was receptive of the feedback. The film festival returned in February after shutting down in 2019 citing financial issues. Filmmakers have slammed the selection of an AI-generated movie as a finalist at the Tropfest short film festival, with a former winner describing it as a "slap in the face".Among the 16 finalists was a film called SYD CONFIDENTIAL, an animated noir which was completely made with generative AI.Director Greta Nash, who won the festival's top prize in 2018 said she found the film's selection insulting to the other 700 entries."Tropfest has effectively told them that their work and their passion is valued less to them than what, I guess, an algorithm can put together," Ms Nash said.2018 Tropfest winner Greta Nash says the selection of the generative AI film as a finalist was a strange choice. (Supplied: Greta Nash)"I think many filmmakers have found that to be a bit of a slap in the face but also just like a strange choice.""The only reason that [generative AI] is possible is because it is scraping and harvesting from real human made art."Melbourne-based director Finnian Williamson, whose film was shortlisted at this year's event, says completely AI generated films should be in their own category."It's not like you're competing with an animated film which someone has animated themselves," Mr Williamson said."I would've been much more upset if I was an animator."More than 35,000 turned out to Sydney's Centennial Park for the festival's grand return. (ABC News: Victoria Pengilley)Tropfest a rare opportunity for budding filmmakersTropfest recently returned after a seven year absence, with the event taking place on February 22 at Centennial Park in Sydney's east.Ms Nash said the festival, which has a winning prize of $50,000, is one of a few opportunities aspiring filmmakers get in Australian to have their breakout moment."There's a lot of publicity attached to it and also the prizes are really life-changing," Ms Nash said."Not only did it connect me with people who were able to give me work in the industry but it also provided me financially with enough money to pursue filmmaking full-time."AI films permittedTropfest founder and director John Polson said the film SYD CONFIDENTIAL complied with the rules, which allows for AI to be used in entries.Mr Polson said there was no notable concern from the community when the rules permitting AI were made public in November last year."While we stand by our selection process, we also recognise the significance of this conversation," Mr Polson said."Tropfest has a 30-year history of supporting artists, and we take the current feedback — indeed any feedback — from the filmmaking community seriously as we look toward the future."Winner demonstrates value of human quality, director saysThe competition was taken out by Sydney mother Lianne Mackessy with her film Crescendo, a film about a mum whose babysitting plans fall through on the morning of the audition of a career-defining role inspired by the return of Tropfest.Ms Nash describes the winning film as "wonderfully human"."That human quality is just what makes filmmaking so important and so powerful," Ms Nash said."When you take that away it leaves you wondering what the point is."I worry about what such a pro-AI stand says to young filmmakers who are trying to break into the industry."