AIDC 2023 To Host $50,000 Shark Island Foundation Feature Docs Pitch
A NEW PITCH FOR FEATURE DOCUMENTARIES IN DEVELOPMENT
Shark Island Foundation and the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) are proud to announce the new Shark Island Foundation Feature Docs Pitch, with a share of up to $50,000 in development grants available for projects pitched at AIDC 2023.
Producers are now invited to submit feature-length documentary projects in development via AIDC’s Cut to the Chase curated pitch meetings program, with applications set to close on Sunday 29 January 2023.
Projects can be of any genre but must be character-driven, have a distinctive point of view, with a creative vision and clear artistic style, and ideally have the potential to inspire social change.
Shortlisted projects will have the chance to pitch to Shark Island Foundation Executive Director Kate Hodges during AIDC 2023. Up to three producers will be given the opportunity to share in $50,000 of development grants from Shark Island Foundation.
BRINGING OUTSTANDING STORIES TO THE SCREEN
Established in 2022 by Shark Island Institute and launched at AIDC in March, Shark Island Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation committed to funding documentary filmmaking in Australia, supporting Australian stories told by a broad range of filmmakers, from established artists to new voices, across a variety of subjects.
“Shark Island Foundation is delighted to be partnering with AIDC on this feature docs development initiative,” said Shark Island Foundation Executive Director, Kate Hodges.
“We’re passionate supporters of a vibrant and strong feature documentary sector and hope this initiative will help bring three outstanding stories to the screen.”
POTENTIAL FOR REAL WORLD IMPACT
“Feature documentaries are vital to the fabric of nonfiction storytelling, allowing for in depth investigations and bold explorations of untold stories. AIDC is honoured to partner with Shark Island Foundation to support nonfiction storytellers to develop unique and courageous feature documentaries with the potential for real world impact,” said AIDC CEO / Creative Director, Natasha Gadd.
“With Shark Island Foundation contributing $50,000 in grants to the successful projects, AIDC 2023’s Industry Development program has so far unlocked over $300,000 in professional and project development funding for AIDC delegates through partnered pitches, prizes, placements and grants.”
To be eligible for the Shark Island Foundation Feature Docs Pitch, all applicants must register for an AIDC Business Pass / Online Business Pass or an All Access Pass / Online All Access Pass and apply through AIDC’s Cut to the Chase pitch meetings program, presented by Xe Money Transfer.
Submissions are now open, with a deadline of Sunday 29 January 2023.
For more information on the pitch and eligibility requirements, visit the Shark Island Foundation Feature Docs Pitch page.
Image credit: The Australian Wars, Director: Rachel Perkins, Producer: Blackfella Films (2022), Recipient of Shark Island Foundation Development & Outreach Grant.