Lismore TAFE film graduate Jasper Sharpe named Tropfest runner-up

JASPER Sharpe has secured second place at Tropfest for his short film exploring the domestic realities of the fast-food industry.

The world’s largest short film festival returned to Centennial Park on Thursday 26 March after a seven-year hiatus, attracting a crowd of tens of thousands.

Sharpe, a graduate of TAFE NSW Lismore, wrote and directed the film titled We Don’t Take Breaks, which was selected as one of 16 finalists from a pool of more than 700 entries.

He received the runner-up trophy from actor Margot Robbie during the event.

The filmmaker said the recognition came as a surprise given the standard of the competition.

“When we came second it was a massive surprise,” Sharpe said.

“The quality of the other films was incredible, so I just felt super grateful to be there”.

The production focuses on the workplace dynamics and demanding conditions within a chicken shop, a setting inspired by Sharpe’s own employment history.

 

He completed a certificate IV in screen and media in 2021 and said the practical nature of the course provided the necessary foundation for his career.

“It was hands-on from day one and immediately applicable to the real world,” Sharpe said.

“The teachers had strong industry experience and gave practical advice that really stuck with me”.

Since finishing his studies, Sharpe has worked as a freelance director’s assistant across advertising, music videos and film.

TAFE NSW headteacher of creative design and ideation Rohan Langford said the achievement reflected the quality of training available in the Northern Rivers.

Langford said the courses are designed in consultation with industry to ensure students gain skills that are useful when they start working.

Data from the New South Wales government indicates the state’s drama production sector is expected to grow by 37 per cent by 2028, potentially employing more than 14,000 people.

Sharpe is currently building industry connections while developing his own creative projects and intends to produce a feature film in the future.