Two sponsors have given Tropfest NZ the cash it needs to go ahead next year

The crowds at Tropfest enjoy some films in the sun. Photo / Mark Bellringer

Tropfest has been saved by two sponsors and is back on for 2017.

New Plymouth's annual outdoor short film festival initially announced it didn't have enough funds for the event, but the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust has today announced two new sponsors have come in to save the day.

They are Venture Taranaki Trust - which administers the Major Event Fund on behalf of the New Plymouth District Council - and has been a foundation sponsor of Tropfest NZ since its inception.

And New Zealand's largest screen production company South Pacific Pictures, known for Whale Rider, Sione's Wedding, Shortland Street and Outrageous Fortune.

This year's Tropfest finalists line up on stage. Photo / Pip Guthrie

Many are celebrating the salvation of the festival, including Tropfest NZ's first ambassador Martin Henderson, who said: "the festival is a vital portal for the next generation of filmmakers /actors/screenwriters in New Zealand".

Likewise, fellow ambassador Katie Wolfe added, "The industry needs short film festivals, it's crucial that we have a playground for our future filmmakers to hone their skills and a platform for them to promote their work - Tropfest meets these needs."

The Tropfest Signature Item for the 2017 competition is "Flame" and the festival will announce the open for entries date in the following weeks.

The main screening event will be held in New Plymouth at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands on Saturday, February 18, 2017.