Qantas today released a teaser for its Australian film series, a collection of eight inspiring short films from across the country, as part of its sponsorship of Tropfest this Sunday 8 December.

Titled Our Australia. Our Airline, the series has been filmed in each state and territory and features music by talented ARIA Award Winning artists including music producer Flume and singer Gurrumul. Each film tells a story of extraordinary Australians and their relationship with the country, its people and the land.

The first film released today tells the powerful story of Charlie Maher, the first Indigenous Australian to run the New York Marathon in 2010 as part of the Indigenous Marathon Project. The trailer, also released today, takes an epic cinematic journey across Australia that will inspire viewers.

Qantas Group Executive Brand, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Olivia Wirth said the short film series has been developed to uncover inspirational Australians and their endeavours that make Australia proud.

“There are so many Australians doing extraordinary things everyday and Tropfest has provided us with the perfect platform to tell just a few of these stories. As Australia’s national carrier, Qantas has played a role in each of their lives and we’re proud to share their stories for the first time at the world’s largest short film festival on Sunday,” said Ms Wirth.

“Our involvement with Tropfest Australia forms part of our wider strategy to foster Australian talent, helping creative young Australians in their artistic endeavours and to pursue their dreams, both in Australia and around the world.”

The Australian production was directed by Qantas Film-maker and 2012 Tropfest Australia Finalist Toby Morris, produced by Cate Stewart of Parliament Films and filmed by award-winning Cinematographer Simon Morris.

In celebration of Australian short films, Qantas has launched an exclusive Tropfest channel on its inflight entertainment program. The on-demand channel features a selection of the best Tropfest films from the past twenty years, and will soon be loaded with a selection of the December 2013 finalists.

During the event on Sunday, Qantas will also be treating festival-goers to special giveaways, and Qantas Frequent Flyers with Qantas Cash™ activated on their new Qantas Card can earn triple Frequent Flyer points when making purchases at Riversdale Group outlets using their activated Qantas Cash card.

The full eight piece series will be officially released at Tropfest Australia on Sunday 8 December, at which Qantas is a major sponsor and the exclusive airline partner. The short films will be screened from 3pm onwards and the ninety second trailer will feature prior to the commencement of the Tropfest finalists’ short films at 8pm.

Go to www.qantas.com/ouraustralia today to see the trailer and Northern Territory film and on Sunday 8 December to view the full series.