Project Hourglass - Tropfest Finalist

Xenon-Post | Picture Finishing & Colour

The return of Tropfest marked an important moment for Australian filmmaking — and we were proud to contribute to one of the night’s standout finalists.

Project Hourglass, written and directed by Ben Mathews, was selected as one of the 16 finalists in this year’s competition. The film also celebrated two major accolades:

• Best Cinematography — Joshua Flavell

• An industry trip to Los Angeles awarded to Ben Mathews

Xenon-Post Involvement

Xenon-Post provided the film’s picture post finishing services, including:

• Online conform

• Picture finishing

• Final colour grade

Working closely with the creative team, our role was to ensure the final image carried the precision, tonal consistency and cinematic polish required for festival exhibition. From conforming the locked cut through to the final grade, our focus was on delivering a technically robust and theatrically ready master.

Short-form projects demand clarity of vision and efficiency in execution — particularly in post. Project Hourglass is a strong example of that alignment between craft and storytelling.

Tropfest’s Return

Tropfest has long played a defining role in Australian screen culture — not only as a competition, but as a stage for ambitious filmmaking.

Xenon-Post has previously been involved in Tropfest projects, including past winner Marry Me, and it’s great to see the festival back supporting bold, screen-ready work.

Congratulations to the entire Project Hourglass team on a strong showing at Tropfest’s return.