Pass me the popcorn please. The Tropfest film festival is returning.

Movies are coming back in February to Centennial Park after a hiatus caused by COVID.

But it was here at Tropicana Cafe, Darlinghurst, that the idea of a film festival was born in a cauldron of coffee and pastries.

Tropfest began in 1993 as small screening of director John Polson’s’ short film at the Tropicana. It grew into the world’s largest platform for short films. The festival became a significant cultural event, known for launching the careers of many Australian actors and directors and for inspiring filmmakers globally. After facing financial and management issues in the mid-2010s, the festival is returning in 2026, aiming to recapture its original spirit.

From its cradle the Tropicana still serves its Euro blend of Italian/French relaxed ambience and fast, wholesome food where customers can linger longer.

French bistro bamboo-style chairs and tables sit outside al fresco. Inside Calacatta gold marble table tops and rattan chairs and banquettes grace the interior.

Unusually, there is no full table service. Customers order themselves from three separate menus at the counter.

Food is delivered vivace. Help yourself to water from a common tap. There are 13 types of coffee. The most popular dishes are pizza and spaghetti Bolognese with frappes now ready for Summer.

The 45 year-old concept is novel and convenient and has been booming since 1980. Locals love it.

The model is a derivative of a post-war movement in Europe where cafeterias were set up with customers choosing their own food directly and taking it to their tables.

More popcorn please.

Tropicana Cafe

227 Victoria Street Darlinghurst NSW 2011

www.tropiccanacoffee.com

By Andrew Woodhouse

Heritage Solutions