Toprock Productions

“What a powerful, intimate and heartfelt film this was; it achieved so much in 7mins that many blockbuster films attempt over 90mins. Bravo to the all involved in this film! We need more stories like this on film!” -JeremyYam-p8f-

“Growing up I’ve heard of these stories from my grandmother who had to pretend to be a man to protect themselves and this short film was an impeccable depiction of history brought to life. Well done to all the actors and producers - this should be a long film block buster!” -juzzyoh-

Meet Taysha McFarland, who is the director, writer and producer:
Taysha is a multi-award-winning producer, director, writer, and founder of Toprock Productions. She produced the AACTA-nominated short Jia and co-directed the Screen Australia’s Skip Ahead 8 comedy web series Life of Kea. Both were nominated at the 38th Annual Screen Producers Australia Awards, with Jia winning in its category. Her producing credits also include Eating the Other (Flickerfest 2023), SPIRAL (2025), and the 2024 AACTA Pitch: Focus-winning project Alter. As a recipient of the Berry Family Fellowship and AIDC’s Leading Lights Program, Taysha is working on her debut documentary, Unheard Memoirs from the Japanese Occupation of Malaya. She has also received awards for Best Director for her films Zarephath and Hear Me.

It’s the last day for the Tropfest Wildcard Short Film Competition!

But it’s not too late, you can still support our film by:
1. Watching our film from start to finish
2. Like and leave a comment on the video
3. If you can, share it with your family and friends and ask them to do the same

WATCH BLUE ORCHIDS HERE:
https://youtu.be/ElYADYOvDD4?si=aHf6RKtyy95Kdvcj

Competition will end today, Saturday 14th February!

Thank you so much to everyone for all the love and support 🥰

“A deeply moving film that brings a dark chapter of history to the screen with honesty and care. The storytelling and performances make it even more impactful.” -eirlys0910-

“A truly marvelous historical short. Incredible cast performances, stunning photography, and breathtaking scenery that pull you straight into another time. The setting feels authentic, the editing is sharp and seamless, and every frame is crafted with care. Powerful storytelling, beautiful visuals, and impressive technical skill all come together to make this a standout piece. Absolutely worth watching.” -YuanTan-c7i-

Meet Tristan Braines, who is the producer:
Tristan is a Melbourne-based film producer, writer and director, and co-founder of Toprock Productions, established after completing courses from Swinburne and VCA. His work includes multiple Audience Choice–winning 48 Hour Film Project films, the mental health short If Only, and the web series Life of Kea, produced through Screen Australiaand YouTube’s Skip Ahead 8 initiative, with over 8 million views. His 2024 short “Last Call” was a top film at Filmapalooza in Seattle and screened at Cannes Short Film Corner 2025. He is currently developing Life of Kea as a feature film alongside a new web series, Boba Bing.

It’s the last day for the Tropfest Wildcard Short Film Competition!

But it’s not too late, you can still support our film by:
1. Watching our film from start to finish
2. Like and leave a comment on the video
3. If you can, share it with your family and friends and ask them to do the same

WATCH BLUE ORCHIDS HERE:
https://youtu.be/ElYADYOvDD4?si=aHf6RKtyy95Kdvcj

Competition will end today, Saturday 14th February!

Thank you so much to everyone for all the love and support 🥰

“Thank you for showcasing these kinds of stories that aren't often told.” -adamsalyce-

“What a powerful and meaningful film and thank you for being the voice of lots of unheard and untold stories.” -suryaniesuryanie1785-

Meet Victoria Lincoln, who is associate producer:
Victoria is an emerging screenwriter and producer recently graduated from the VCA with a BFA in Screenwriting and is currently based in Melbourne. Victoria has worked as a note-taker in numerous writers rooms including a series produced by Good Things Productions; ‘Polysaturated’ & ‘Loved Up’ created by Michelle Offen & Trudy Hellier, and documentary ‘Time On Our Side’ by Chris Luscri. Her short sci-fi romance script ‘Over’ recently received a quarter finalist placement in Filmmatics Inroads Fellowship. She is currently in early stages of developing web series ‘Smellbourne’ and producing a q***r satirical short film ‘SOYBOY’ directed by Moo Renzaho.

Only 1 day left to Wildcard Tropfest Short Film Competition!

But it’s not too late! You can still support our film by:
1. Watching our film from start to finish
2. Like and leave a comment on the video
3. If you can, share it with your family and friends and ask them to do the same

WATCH BLUE ORCHIDS HERE:
https://youtu.be/ElYADYOvDD4?si=aHf6RKtyy95Kdvcj

Competition will end tomorrow, Saturday 14th February!

Thank you so much to everyone for all the love and support 🥰

Only 2 days left before the Tropfest Wildcard competition closes!

To celebrate Tropfest and our film Blue Orchids, we’ve curated a playlist of some our favourite Tropfest films from the previous years. Find the playlist here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElYADYOvDD4&list=PL6sA8pN9TBCElREFyo82WBDSe8CJ94d8H

You’ll naturally find Blue Orchids at the top of the list, and it’s not too late, you can still support our film in the Wildcard competition by:
1. Watching our film from start to finish
2. Like and leave a comment on the video
3. If you can, share it with your family and friends and ask them to do the same

Competition will end Saturday 14th February!

Thank you so much to everyone for all the love and support 🥰

Blue Orchids | Drama Short Film | Tropfest 2026 Wildcard This film is part of the Tropfest YouTube Wildcard Competition, vying for the final spot in the top 16 Tropfest 2026 Finalists! Please engage to help it succ...

No prisoners were harmed in the making of our film. We promise!

See? You can tell by how happy they are here.

Btw, there are only 2 days left to vote for our film for Tropfest! So make sure to get in now and make your vote count, so we can share our special film with more people.

Whether we win the wildcard position or not, each watch, like and comment tells YouTube that 'Blue Orchids' is worth watching and will put it in front of other potential viewers. (It's all an algorithm game.)

To vote for us, please:
1. Watch our film until the end (7mins)
2. Like and leave a meaningful comment
3. Share it around with your circle of people and ask them to do the same

Judging is based on viewer engagement and not just views alone, so likes and comments matter.

Watch our film on the link below. (Link is also in bio)
https://youtu.be/ElYADYOvDD4?si=92-THOh49Ug_zV7H

Meet our Kempeitai soldiers! The Kempeitai were the Japanese Imperial Army police, who would torture, interrogate suspects, monitor civilians, and suppress anti-Japanese movements. Who better to portray these characters than these absolutely lovely people: Elvis Tran, Shin Hara, Blake Ou and Danny Park.

There are only a few days left to get your votes in for our short film, Blue Orchids. We can't believe we've come this far and are so close to the finals. Each view, like and comment counts as vote, so please don't hesitate, just jump on now and show us some love ❤

Here's the link to Blue Orchids - don't forget you need to watch until the end (7mins), like and comment. 😊

https://youtu.be/ElYADYOvDD4?si=92-THOh49Ug_zV7H

(link also in bio)

“The actors are exceptionally talented and bring the story to life in such a powerful way” -ginnietan3107-

“Amazing work to the whole cast for their stunning performances! Loved it!!” -karinasorelli-

Meet Enoch Li, who plays Poh Shi:
Enoch Li is a Chinese actor from Hong Kong, now based in Australia, with formal training across Australia and the United States. His most notable credit to date is starring as the lead in the world’s first English-language production of “I, Me, She, Him” by renowned playwright Stan Lai. Enoch’s screen work includes ARCHIE AI – Crime Dog (dir. Stephen Peters), The Invisibles Season 2 (dir. Dave Wallace) and Blue Orchids (dir. Taysha McFarland). He has trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York, Screenwise Sydney, and the Academy of Film, Theatre and Television (JMC), completing an Advanced Diploma in Screen and Media (Acting). Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, Enoch brings a grounded, cross-cultural perspective to both stage and screen.

We are in the top 25 films for 2026, but we need your help to get the 16th spot as a Wildcard Finalist! It’s very easy to help! All you need to do is:
1. Watch our film from start to finish
2. Like and leave a comment on the video
3. If you can, share it with your family and friends and ask them to do the same

The voting is not based on how many views we get, but on video engagement, which is why comments and likes are so important. ☺️

The competition will end this Saturday 14th February!

WATCH FILM HERE:
https://youtu.be/ElYADYOvDD4?si=aHf6RKtyy95Kdvcj

Thank you so much to everyone for all the love and support 🥰