ASEF culture360 is proud to announce its first media partnership in 2015 with Tropfest South East Asia, the world largest short film festival.Over 20 years ago, John Polson started the Tropicana Short Film Festival (as it was originally known) as an informal short film screening for cast, crew and friends at the Tropicana Cafe in Sydney. More than 200 people showed up for that first screening. Inspired by the turn out, John decided that a full-fledged short film festival was the next step. The festival has since expanded to become the world’s largest short film festival, and now includes screenings in New York, New Zealand, Abu Dhabi, and – since 2014 – Penang, Malaysia. The festival is free to attend and showcases the finalist films from the Tropfest SEA short film competition, which is open to all residents and citizens of Southeast Asia.  Tropfest SEA will host its signature Film Forum Roughcut which gives film-lovers the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with some of the biggest names in the industry in this day of informal talks and candid conversations among the brightest stars in film. Keynote speakers for Roughcut 2015 include the most colourful man in cinema, legendary cinematographer and director, Christopher Doyle (In the Mood for Love, 2046, Paris Je T’Aime), who will be giving a cinematography masterclass like no other. Audiences will also be treated to an intimate conversation with Hollywood’s latest leading man and heart throb, Sullivan Stapleton (300, Animal Kingdom, Strike Back, Gangster Squad) who will be sharing his tales of life in front of the lens. The day will also feature conversations with industry heavyweights including international animation giants Harry Yoon and Lak Taechawanchai, Oscar-shortlisted director Hannah Espia, MPA Asia Pacific Chairman Mike Ellis, outrageous Singaporean funny man Kumar, Tropfest SEA 2014 winner Sothea Ines and many other film luminaries from across the region. Roughcut takes place on January 31 2015 (9am – 5pm) at Hotel Jen, George Town, Penang. For tickets, head to bit.ly/roughcut15  For more details, visit www.tropfest.com/sea