The Australian International Documentary Conference has opened applications for the 2025 The FACTory International Pitching Showcase.
Taking place during AIDC 2025, The FACTory will once again feature exciting new feature documentary and series projects from around Australia and the world.
Up to 15 teams will be selected to present their work to a line-up of Australian and international commissioners, sales agents, providing feedback on projects.
Participants will have access to high-level mentoring and pitch training conducted by experienced screen practitioners, and expanded opportunities for one-on-one meetings with key international decisionmakers.
“With AIDC’s FACTory International Pitching Showcase celebrating its 10th anniversary, we are excited to welcome submissions for original, bold and engaging documentary and factual projects that have the potential to uncover untold stories from all corners of the globe” said AIDC CEO and Creative Director, Natasha Gadd.
“In 2025 we are thrilled to offer additional support for selected projects through enhanced mentoring, training and curated meetings to ensuregreater project outcomes for teams pitching their projects to our line-up of world-class decision makers. Building on the successful outcomes of The FACTory over the past nine editions, we can’t wait to see what new talent and stories will be discovered in 2025!”
Applications are now being accepted for projects including features, singles, and series (limited and returnable). Project submissions will be assessed by a panel of international experts,including Marissa McDowell, Producer, Black & White Films (AUS); Maria Santos, IDA Funds Officer, International Documentary Association (USA); Yukari Misaizu, Senior Producer, NHK Enterprises (JPN); Jim Kolmar, Film Curator, SXSW (USA); and Krishan Arora ,International Consultant SBS (UK).
Entry to The FACTory is competitive, and assessors will consider criterialike originality, marketplace viability, and international appeal. Since its inception in 2016, 117 projects have been pitched in TheFACTory, including acclaimed documentaries Mystify: Michael Hutchence, Under the Volcano, Carbon: The Unauthorised Biography, Walkley Award-winner Delikado, Hot Docs Best International Documentary winner, Blue Island, and AACTA Awards Best Documentary nominees The Last Daughter, Clean and Franklin.
The most recent FACTory projects to reach our screens include Mozart’s Sister (FACTory 2019, distributed by Bonsai Films), Aquarius (FACTory 2023) and Queens of Concrete (FACTory 2020) both distributed by Madman Entertainment. As well as The Black Hand (FACTory 2021) and Ningaloo Nyinggulu (FACTory 2020) both currently streaming on ABC iView.
The regular submission deadline for projects is Wednesday 13 November 2024. Projects submitted by the late deadline of Sunday 17 November 2024, will incur an additional fee. Applicants can find Submission Guidelines on The FACTory webpage, and submit through the FACTory online portal.
AIDC
2-5 March 2025
links to content on ABC
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