Foxtel and Seven West Media’s streaming platform Presto have just offered a helping hand to Tropfest finalists devastated by the festival’s recent shock cancellation due to what festival founder John Polson described as a “terrible and irresponsible mismanagement of funds”.
Offerring to stream the finalist’s films on their platform, the lifeline comes off the back of the shock cancellation earlier today, with major sponsors such as Qantas, Somersby Cider, Uber and Nova Entertainment expressing “surprise” and “disappointment” at the sudden cancellation and lack of consultation.
Speaking to Mumbrella this morning however, Presto said in a statement that: “We’re certainly disappointed that such an iconic and popular event like Tropfest has been cancelled; however, we are currently exploring the possibility of showcasing the finalists’ films.
“We would be happy to make Presto available as a place for viewers to see these creative works and are exploring options with the relevant parties.”
While the festival broadcast partner SBS might not be too happy with that arrangement, they made no comment about Presto’s offer when speaking to Mumbrella, merely stating that “as the broadcast partner for the past few years SBS has been proud to offer a platform to showcase this talent and we are incredibly disappointed by this news.
“We are absorbing this announcement and looking at what it means for SBS.”
While there are no more details on the financial specifics that forced the festival’s cancellation, last year’s event did reportedly under-perform for partners, with huge rainstorms forcing most punters to leave early. However all sponsors involved with the event have expressed support for the festival, citing that they would all be keen to be involved if the event were to go ahead.
This is good news for Polson, who pleaded with sponsors to “bear with us”, while admitting the cancellation of the event was a “disaster”.
“I ask all of Tropfest’s many supporters to bear with us while we figure out how we can rebound from this disaster,” he said. “Now more than ever this unique Australian cultural event needs your patience and support.”
Still no word from either Polson or Presto on whether the streaming deal will go ahead, let’s hope this Australian institution finds its legs soon.
