AIDC 2026 Full Program & Speaker Lineup Announced

Presented by Principal Partner VicScreen, Presenting Partners ACMI and Screen Australia, and Major Partners ABC and SBS, the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) today announces the full program for its 2026 event – including over 50 sessions, screenings and events, more than 100 speakers and 80+ industry decision makers – taking place in-person at ACMI in Melbourne / Naarm, from 2-5 March 2026 with an online-only international marketplace 11-12 March 2026.

Inspired by the theme Hold True, the AIDC 2026 program features talent working at the cutting edge of every facet of documentary and factual storytelling, including Oscar® and Emmy®-nominated filmmakers, groundbreaking Australian and international creators, and some of the industry’s most successful business insiders.

High-profile new additions to the lineup include a Spotlight session with the double Academy Award®-nominated Geeta Gandbhir, director of the highly-acclaimed and starkly compelling Netflix release The Perfect Neighbor (2026 Best Documentary Oscar® nominee) and co-director of The Devil is Busy (2026 Best Documentary Short Oscar® nominee).

Also joining the Spotlight session program is inventive filmmaker Adam Bhala Lough, co-director of hit HBO documentary series Telemarketers, discussing his provocative and irreverent new hybrid doc Deepfaking Sam Altman, produced by comedian Kevin Hart. 

Previously announced AIDC Spotlight speakers include the Emmy Award®-winning documentary director-producer-cinematographer Rita Baghdadi, maker of lauded character-driven docs like Sundance hit Sirens and Nat Geo’s Photographer series episode Muhammed Muheisen: Finding the Light; Head of Documentaries at Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse, Aloke Devichand, discussing his innovative approach to commissioning and producing distinctive global stories; and National Geographic’s EVP of Content, Tom McDonald, providing an insider’s perspective on working with one of the world’s most recognisable nonfiction brands.

The diverse speaker lineup also features Samoan / New Zealand filmmaker, Ursula Grace Williams, director of the hit Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao E Rua – Two Worlds; multi-talented journalist and documentary maker, Patrick Abboud; factual format innovator, Kirk Docker co-creator of You Can’t Ask That and I Was Actually There; plus historian and journalist Dr Esmé Louise James, creator of the wildly popular Kinky History and co-producer of SexTistics with companion AIDC guest Dr. Naomi Koh Belic.

Additional high-profile speakers set to appear include ocean documentary specialist Sarah Beard, series producer of National Geographic’s Paul Rudd-narrated Secrets of the Octopus; prolific radio personality, satirist, documentary maker and author John Safran (Shut Your Big Fat Mouth John Safran), and acclaimed First Nations filmmaker Trisha Morton-Thomas, director of Journey Home, David Gulpilil.  

On the marketplace front, a wide range of decision makers from local and international media brands, platforms and broadcasters will participate in-person and virtually at AIDC 2026, including ABC, Al Jazeera, American Documentary | POV, ARTE France, Asahi Television Broadcasting, bilibili, Channel 4, EBS Korea/EIDF, Hulu, National Geographic, Netflix, NHK, NITV, Paramount, SBS, TRT World, TVNZ, Whakaata Māori and more.

Sales agents, distributors and production companies including Asian Shadows, Autlook Filmsales, Boardwalk Pictures, CAT&Docs, Dogwoof, Impronta Films, Journeyman Pictures, Love Nature / Blue Ant Media, Madman Entertainment, MetFilm Sales, Mindhouse Productions, Sideways Film, Together Films, and TVF International.

Giving an impressive boost to the local industry, AIDC 2026 will unlock over $305,000 in project development funding, awards, prizes and professional development opportunities for new nonfiction content, directly supporting documentary and factual practitioners. This investment is delivered through a suite of exciting AIDC Industry Development Program initiatives and key partnerships with pitch partners Shark Island Foundation, The Post Lounge Group, DocPlay and Indigenous Business Australia (IBA); awards partners AFTRS and Film Finances; FACTory pitch prize partners; and Leading Lights program partners AFTRS alongside 20 Leading Lights industry donors.

For a quick look at what’s in store, head to:

• WHAT’S ON
• WHO’S COMING
• PITCHES & MARKETPLACE

AIDC 2026: HOLD TRUE

Celebrating the solidarity and resilience of the documentary and factual community, AIDC 2026’s central theme – Hold True – is a rallying cry to remain steadfast in the face of challenges and adversity, and a call to action for legislators, policy makers and funders to support the sector and drive vital change.

The conference will explore the following subthemes through Spotlight sessions, industry panels, screenings and initiatives: Truth States (truth to power, story sovereignty and the future of truth), Forward Focus (innovation, experimentation and alternative pathways), Change Agents (field building, sustainability and impact), Field of Vision (storytelling, craft and creative explorations), and Sector States (industry insights, policy and reform).

Natasha Gadd, CEO / Creative Director, AIDC, said, “Storytelling is at the heart of documentary and factual filmmaking, driven by the bold, courageous and creative storytellers whose works provide a lens through which to explore the world in all its diversity, complexity, brutality, and beauty. 

“In 2026 we find ourselves in an era in which the very foundations of our storytelling practice are increasingly under threat. Through our 2026 theme ‘Hold True’, we ask, how can we come together in solidarity to protect storytelling that speaks truth to power, champions change, sparks curiosity, and reveals the wonders, challenges, and potentialities of the world around us? And, most pressingly, how can we hold true to each other, to our creative practice, and to the stories that demand to be told?

“We are thrilled to unveil our 2026 program of speakers and sessions, all of which are designed to challenge thinking, spark dialogue, and inspire action. Joined by our industry program’s impressive lineup of local and international decision makers and complemented by an original suite of marketplace initiatives, AIDC 2026 is set to support the creation of bold new works, drive new outcomes and build new collaborations.”

Caroline Pitcher, CEO, VicScreen, said, “AIDC returns to Melbourne this March with another dynamic program set to ignite ideas, spark collaboration, and celebrate the power of documentary storytelling. As Australia’s premier documentary and factual event, AIDC offers unparalleled opportunities for Victorian talent to engage with factual filmmakers from around the globe. VicScreen is proud to continue our strong partnership with AIDC, showcasing Victoria’s creativity and ambition on the world stage – and empowering stories that shape perspectives and define the future of factual storytelling.” 

Seb Chan, Director and CEO, ACMI, said: “Our partnership with AIDC is now entering its 11th year – and in an era of rapid media change, social and political upheaval and fake news, it has never been more important. As Australia’s national museum of screen culture, ACMI is committed to strengthening the screen sector and celebrating the critical work of our nonfiction filmmakers.”

SPOTLIGHT SESSIONS

Inverting Surveillance: Geeta Gandbhir and The Perfect Neighbor

Double 2026 Academy Award®-nominee Geeta Gandbhir delves into the heart of her documentary storytelling practice, culminating with the groundbreaking feature The Perfect Neighbor, an unprecedented investigation into the fight for justice against the backdrop of race politics in America.

Global Stories with Aloke Devichand and Mindhouse

Join Aloke Devichand, the head of documentaries at Mindhouse (the UK-based production company founded by Louis Theroux) and former commissioner for Netflix and Al Jazeera, as he shares his innovative approach to commissioning and producing distinctive global stories.

Pushing Form in Indigenous Documentary Craft 

From Ursula Grace Williams’ music documentary Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao E Rua – Two Worlds, to Jason Ryle’s animated feature Endless Cookie and Kieran Mpetyane Satour’s cinematic project based on audio testimonials, Facing the Numbers – First Nations filmmakers unpack the creative and cultural drivers of their innovative documentary approaches.

Adam Bhala Lough and Deepfaking Sam Altman

Dive into Adam Bhala Lough’s (Telemarketers, HBO, 2023) provocative and irreverent SXSW Audience Award-nominated documentary Deepfaking Sam Altman, which turned the table on its intended participant to create an AI-generated version of the OpenAI founder when the real Altman refused to be interviewed.

Rita Baghdadi: Up Close and Personal

Join Emmy Award®-winning documentary filmmaker Rita Baghdadi as she explores her career as a multi-hyphenate director, producer and cinematographer of bold, independent, character-driven docs, including her Sundance hit Sirens and yet-to-be-released Stallions, while also creating projects for streamers such as Netflix and National Geographic.

OTHER SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

In addition to AIDC 2026’s Spotlight Sessions, the program includes inspiring local and international guests, with sessions devoted to business, innovation, craft and more, each linked by the 2026 conference sub-themes. 

FIELD OF VISION SESSIONS (storytelling, craft and creative explorations)

Documenting Indigenous Icons: Journey Home, David Gulpilil and Emily: I Am Kam 

The creative teams behind Journey Home, David Gulpilil and Emily: I Am Kam share insights into crafting complex and multi-layered biographies of two Indigenous artists who left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape with their art in life and in death.

The Sublime Art of the Everyday in Documentary

From porridge-making and spreadsheet championships to life in regional towns – how do you transform ordinary subjects into extraordinary stories? Join the filmmakers behind The Golden Spurtle, Spreadsheet Champions and Flathead, whose deeply human documentaries have landed with audiences around the world.

Short Cuts: Pathways to Getting Your Short Docs Made (and Seen)

Discover firsthand insights into the craft and business of short documentaries. Join commissioners and award-winning filmmakers in conversation with Anu Hasbold (MOFA).

Oops I Did it Again: How to Get a Returnable Series with SBS

What’s the secret sauce that ensures your documentary or factual series has a second season (and beyond)? This panel of producers and broadcasters representing SBS, EndemolShine and Smashing Films discusses real-world examples of hit Australian returnable series.

Fearless Ideas: From Pitch to Screen with the ABC

What makes an idea irresistible to the ABC? ABC is joined by producers of recent hard-hitting projects – from the Tampa affair to the crimes of Rolf Harris and court cases that shaped the nation – to explore how these projects made the wild ride from pitch to screen. 

TRUTH STATES SESSIONS (truth to power, story sovereignty and the future of truth)

Dangerous Truths: Confronting Bias in Documentary Storytelling

Documentary is often mistakenly presented and received as objective truth – so how can filmmakers better acknowledge bias and still maintain trust and authorial legitimacy? Join this diverse group of storytellers as they explore how we can recognise and work with bias ethically, transparently and creatively.

Telling the Stories of Our Times in Audio

From uncovering government corruption and exposing the exploits of tycoons – discover how leading journalists weave creative storytelling with investigative reporting to crack open high-profile Australian stories in gripping long-form audio documentaries.

AI on the Stand: What Reality Will We Choose?

Can AI genuinely benefit our documentary and factual sector or has it kick-started our own post-humanist dystopia? In this not-to-be-missed session, we’re putting AI on the stand and we’re not holding back. 

FORWARD FOCUS SESSIONS (innovation, experimentation and alternative pathways)

Subscribe Now: Understanding the Creator Economy

The “creator economy” is no longer a niche or alternative mode for storytellers. Leaders in the field – Changer Studios and Cinch Media – share invaluable insights into how all nonfiction practitioners can embrace the potential that direct-to-audience pathways offer to reach new audiences on social platforms.

Changing Channels: Exploring the Future of Co-Productions in Broadcast

Public broadcasting is under unprecedented pressure, so how can broadcasters keep making bold, culturally defining nonfiction? Erika Dilday (American Documentary | POV), Aloke Devichand (Mindhouse) and Karina Holden (Northern Pictures) join moderator Stephen Oliver (ABC) to confront the most urgent questions facing public broadcasters today.

A World of Wonder with National Geographic

Tom McDonald, National Geographic’s EVP of Content, takes us through the Nat Geo ecosystem and the projects, genres and formats that have hit the stratosphere, from Ocean with David Attenborough to Katrina: Race Against Time and A Real Bug’s Life.

Genre Mash-Up: How to Land a Hit with SBS

Melding genres can give your project an edge, but how do you do the genre mash successfully? This panel of SBS commissioning editors plus filmmakers John Safran and Michael Cordell explore the growing trend of factual hybrids. Presented by SBS.

Make it Make Sense! How to Nail Social Media-First Storytelling 

How do you nail online content that stops audiences mid-scroll? Hear from this panel of social media creators including Dr Naomi Koh Belic (SexTistics), Dr Esmé Louise James (Kinky History) and Lee Naimo (Haven’t You Done Well Productions), whose informative and entertaining videos have gone viral for all the right reasons.

CHANGE AGENTS SESSIONS (field building, sustainability and impact)

Intolerable Beauty: Innovating Climate Storytelling

Filmmakers behind Yurlu | Country, Floodland and Power to Country share their approach to climate storytelling, inviting us to witness climate realities not as distant crises, but as shared futures demanding innovation and care to drive the urgent action needed now. 

Driving Change: The Undeniable Power of Impact Producing

Helmed by Alex Kelly (Unquiet Collective), leading impact producers Sarah Beard (Trade Secret, Ocean with David Attenborough), Maya Newell (In My Blood it Runs, Gayby Baby), and Genevieve Grieves (Motherhood in the Colony, Power to Country) offer a timely review of the role of the impact producer in driving lasting change.

The Funding Landscape: Festivals, Funds, Philanthropy

Navigate the current funding landscape with Documentary Australia, Minderoo Pictures, Shark Island Foundation, Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund, and Points North Institute, and learn how to access and unlock funds for your next project.

Stories Without Borders: Meet the International Decision Makers at AIDC

Meet AIDC’s international guest decision makers – representing broadcasters, festivals, distributors and funds – as they share what they’re on the lookout for and how best to collaborate across territories.

SECTOR STATES SESSIONS (industry insights, policy and reform)

State of Play: Sector Sustainability in 2026 and Beyond

Join Stephanie King (Documentary Australia) and a panel of industry experts for our third annual state of play analysis, exploring the most urgent issues facing our sector – from legislative changes and market forces, to industrial change and rapid technological developments. 

Film Festivals & Distribution: The Best (and Worst) Strategies for Feature Documentaries

Film festivals have long been an essential platform for distribution opportunities – but increasingly, coveted A-list premieres no longer guarantee international sales. Experts in the field, including Madman Entertainment, Raina Films and TIFF, discuss strategies for maximising festival exposure and converting laurels into opportunities.

You Can Ask That: Your Burning Questions Answered by the ABC

The floor is yours. Hear directly from the ABC commissioning team as they answer everything you ever wanted to know about documentary content at the broadcaster. Submit your question in advance (anonymously, if you prefer). 

Fair Play for AI: The Future of Screen Licensing

Screenrights Chief Executive James Dickinson explores how extended collective licensing can secure fair remuneration for rights holders in the GenAI era.

These and many more sessions sit alongside our informal yet ever-informative industry upskill sessions with industry partners like Screen Australia and 21-19.

To explore the full session program, visit the SESSIONS page.

AIDC MARKETPLACE

In addition to its expansive sessions program, AIDC continues to be the essential marketplace for documentary and factual projects with an impressive contingent of decision makers taking part in the 2026 event. More than 80 decision makers from around the world will be looking for new projects to support and content to commission, including representatives from broadcasters, distributors, festivals, publishers and markets, like TVO Canada, Sundance Film Festival, Dogwoof, The Guardian, and many more.

AIDC delegates can meet these decision makers through the Cut to the Chase curated pitch meetings program, which has a deadline for project submissions of Friday 30 January 2026.

AIDC’s marketplace centrepiece, The FACTory International Pitching Forum, presented by VicScreen, also returns, with 14 in-development and unreleased national and international projects participating in live pitches at The Edge (Fed Square) and ACMI during AIDC 2026.

This year, AIDC’s unique marketplace opportunity for established Australian production companies, The Showroom, returns, with up to 10 participating companies taking part in extended in-person meetings with high-level buyers to pitch multiple projects in their pipeline. 

AIDC 2026 will also welcome a very special New Zealand Delegation of producers looking for collaboration opportunities, supported by the New Zealand Film Commission Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga.

AIDC INDUSTRY & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

In 2026, AIDC’s industry development program will host high-profile, targeted, and partnered pitching opportunities, including:

• The Shark Island Foundation Feature Docs Pitch, for feature-length documentaries to share in up to $100,000 in development grants, as well as four placements to participate in a new Shark Island Kangaroo Valley Development Lab. 
• The Post Lounge Group Doc Pitch for documentary features, one-offs or series across any genre, with a share in up to $35,000 of equity investment through development, production, and post-production support.
• The DocPlay Indie Booster, a new $20,000 initiative for independent feature documentary makers to boost their theatrical screening campaigns. 
• The second Indigenous Creators Pitch, supported by Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), which allows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators to pitch a project in development to local and international buyers looking to support Indigenous-led nonfiction stories. One project will receive a $5,000 cash prize.

AIDC’s professional development programs continue to provide career-defining opportunities for diverse voices and perspectives in the nonfiction sector. This year AIDC is proud to offer:

• The Leading Lights program for emerging and early career, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, d/Deaf, disabled or neurodiverse, and/or culturally and linguistically diverse screen creatives, and/or regional or remote practitioners, providing a donor-funded pathway into the Australian nonfiction screen sector via first-time attendance at AIDC.
• The Indigenous Creators Program, a dedicated strand of sessions and marketplace activities designed by and for First Nations practitioners to come together and elevate the craft and business of First Nations stories. Supported by Indigenous Business Australia (IBA). 

Access to the full scope of professional development opportunities provided by AIDC is supported by subsidised passes for particular participants, including Leading Lights, and state and territory screen agency travel support programs such as those provided by SAFC, Screen Queensland, Screenwest, Screen Tasmania, VicScreen and Screen NSW.

AIDC AWARDS

The sixth annual AIDC Awards, to be held on the closing night of AIDC 2026 (5 March), will see cash prizes provided across three categories, acknowledging the outstanding work of Australian nonfiction creators. 

These include a $5,000 cash prize presented by Film Finances for Best Feature Documentary, a $2,000 cash prize presented by AFTRS for Best Short-Form Documentary, and, for the third time, the $5,000 Southern Light Award, presented by AIDC to an Australian industry professional for their outstanding contribution to nonfiction screen, digital and/or audio media.

SCREENING PROGRAM

AIDC and ACMI will once again combine strengths for public screening program Documented, featuring documentary works associated with AIDC 2026 guests. The screenings will be announced on 6 February 2026.

NETWORKING & EVENTS

AIDC 2026 will once again host an array of exciting networking events and happy hours, allowing delegates to connect outside the busy schedule of sessions and meetings. Exclusive to AIDC Business, All Access, Sessions & Networking and Day Pass holders, networking events are supported by AIDC partners like National Geographic, ACMI, ABC, SBS, Screen NSW, Screen QLD, the New Zealand Film Commission Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga (NZFC), ABC Indigenous, Indigenous Business Australia and more.

SEE YOU AT AIDC 2026

AIDC would like to thank this year’s Advisory Committee and our many industry partners – particularly VicScreen, ACMI, Screen Australia, ABC and SBS – without whom this year’s event would not be possible.

Registration for AIDC 2026 is open now, with Business, All Access, Sessions & Networking, Sessions Only, and Day Pass types available, opening up AIDC’s many opportunities to practitioners of all experience levels.

GET A PASS

AIDC 2026 will run 2–5 March 2026 at ACMI, Melbourne / Naarm, with an online international marketplace 11–12 March 2026.

Main Image Credit: The Perfect Neighbor (Netflix, 2025)