What began as a simple question to Tropfest founder, John Polson, has blossomed into a festival for the over 50s.

While attending Tropfest’s Roughcut event in 2026, Clare posed a question to John Polson.

“I’m probably one of the oldest people in this room. Tropfest supports young, or ‘emerging’ filmmakers. But there’s a host of people like me who’ve been trying to break into the industry for decades. Or others who’ve started later in life. Is their an opportunity for Tropfest to support this cohort?”

John’s response: ”That sounds like a great idea. We can definitely take this onboard.”

But rather than wait, I decided to kick start the initiative by putting on a new film festival that would support people in this cohort. It’s my dream to create this because I truly believe there are thousands of older creatives who have a story to tell.

This festival will provide a platform for creatives over the age of 50 to be seen and heard—for opportunities to be presented to them, rather than watching from the sidelines.

Together we can change the world!

Clare Pickering

Founder of Late Bloomers Productions & Late Bloomers Fest

Our Mission

For half a century, the entertainment industry has lauded youth. Actors reaching the tender age of 29 are reminded their careers are almost behind them. Directors, writers and crew rarely given an opportunity much past the age of 40. Film festivals, acting schools, film schools, and industry scholarships have all provided opportunities for young and upcoming creatives — ‘The new and emerging stars of tomorrow!”

But time doesn’t silence storytellers. It deepens them. There is a generation carrying half a century of lived experience, triumph, loss, reinvention, survival. Stories shaped by decades, not semesters. And as the industry chases youth, those voices are so often left in the wings.

But not anymore.

Late Bloomers Fest brings these voices out from behind the curtain and onto centre stage.

This is a platform, a voice, for filmmakers over 50. A spotlight for stories earned, not imagined.

Proof that creativity doesn’t age. It evolves.

Great stories don’t have an expiry date. They’re waiting to be told.

Have a film you want to submit? Amazing!

Submissions open 1 July 2026. In the meantime click on How to Apply for everything you need to know.