IT LOOKS as though the secret weapon to making the Tropfest finals this year was to have your brother by your side.
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Two of the 16 films selected in the finals for this year's short film festival have been made by brothers from St George and Sutherland Shire.
Twins David and Michael Karacic, 32, of South Hurstville worked collaboratively on their short film — Untitled — which is set up to look like a public service announcement.
The focus is a man looking in the mirror, and not liking what he sees.
David said the twins' love of film began with a video camera on a family holiday to Croatia.
Their goal is to make feature films.
"We collaborate with writing, directing and producing and put our heads together," he said.
"Tropfest is the greatest platform you can have to get more opportunities.
"But we don't have our head in the clouds and the journey has been challenging.
"The most rewarding part is having my twin brother there for it all."
Cronulla-based brothers Jackson and Tyson Mullane have also made the finals with their film Red Nuts.
The film poses the question "would you change your life if you found out you only had months to live?"
Jackson, 27, directed and Tyson, 26, was a producer; their brothers Joshua and Angus helped.
"This is the first time we all worked together like this and I wouldn't have it any other way," Jackson said.
"Because we are family we experience the full spectrum with extreme highs and lows."
Jackson gave up his commercial directing career in order to pursue his dream to make feature films.
A former professional rugby player, he has written a feature script and hopes Tropfest might provide a platform to open doors.
The first prize winner for the world's biggest short film festival will get $10,000, a car, camera with accessories, and a week-long trip to Los Angeles.
The finalist films will have their world premiere at the festival from 7.30pm on Sunday, December 7.
SBS 2 will broadcast live and SBS Online will stream it at sbs.com.au/tropfest
Finalists details: sbs.com.au/movies/article/2014/11/12/here-s-your-tropfest-2014-finalists
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