AIDC 2026 AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Last night at a special presentation held at ACMI in Melbourne / Naarm, the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) announced the winners of the 6th Annual AIDC Awards. 

Hosted by journalist and newsreader Narelda Jacobs, the AIDC Awards ceremony marked the conclusion of the four-day conference for the documentary and factual industry, with two more days of International Marketplace meetings still to come (11-12 March). 

The 2026 event saw the attendance of over 740 delegates, including the participation of over 100 local and international speakers, and 85 local and international decision makers.

The program included 50+ sessions, events and screenings, and saw the participation of 175 projects across 10 marketplace pitches and initiatives resulting in 520 curated meetings. 

Plus, AIDC’s Marketplace & Industry Development Program has unlocked over $400,000 in project development, commissioning, professional development funds, awards and prize money for AIDC  projects and practitioners.

The AIDC Awards provided a celebratory capstone to the 2026 conference, acknowledging the very best in Australian documentary and factual from the past 12 months.

THE WINNERS OF THE 6th ANNUAL AIDC AWARDS, AS SELECTED BY THE AIDC AWARDS JURY, ARE:

BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

(With a $5,000 cash prize presented by Film Finances)

WINNER | YURLU | COUNTRY

2025 | Illuminate Films

Director: Yaara Bou Melhem | Producer: Yaara Bou Melhem | Executive Producers: Maitland Parker & Chris Kamen | Co-Producers: Tom Bannigan & James Saunders

JURY STATEMENT: “We are thrilled to award Best Feature Documentary to Yaara Bou Melhem’s Yurlu | Country. The Jury would like to honour and acknowledge the significant collaboration by Banjima Elder and advocate Maitland, and the ongoing involvement and connection by the community. Yurlu | Country is a crucial exposé on the environmental and cultural devastation in Western Australia delivered at the hands of corporate entities and the state government, which has severely impacted Aboriginal lives and livelihoods for generations. This is a profoundly moving and visually stunning documentary that interweaves the personal, cultural, and environmental into a story of urgent resonance. This overlooked Australian story reframes the ongoing crisis and its global impact on Australia’s environmental reputation concerning fallout of mining and its lasting effect on creating ‘poison country.'”

BEST DOCUMENTARY / FACTUAL SERIES

WINNER | REVEALED: DEATH CAP MURDERS

2025 | Dreamchaser, Den of Martians, FIFTH SEASON

Producers: Gil Marsden, Monique Keller, Carl Fennessy, Billy Russell, Mary Lisio, Elissa Johnson, Ariel Richter

JURY STATEMENT: “Death Cap Murders demonstrates how exceptional storytelling and cinematic craft can transform even one of the most widely reported criminal cases into a gripping, psychologically rich series that still shocks and unsettles.

“From the outset, the Jury were impressed with the confidence in approach – not through bombast, but through assured stylistic choices, strong visual language, and a clear authorial voice. Rather than front-loading revelations, the series patiently draws the audience in, guiding us step by step through a story we think we know, and revealing its complexities along the way. What truly sets it apart is its balance of style and substance. The storytelling is controlled and assured, blending gravity with restraint, and never losing sight of the human cost behind the headlines. 

“The filmmakers move beyond the mechanics of the crime to interrogate its psychological and emotional impact, allowing the story to unfold with real nuance. In a crowded true-crime landscape, Death Cap Murders charts its own course, backing its creative decisions, and delivering a series that feels both definitive and deeply considered.”

BEST DOCUMENTARY / FACTUAL SINGLE

WINNER | EMILY: I AM KAM

2025 | Tamarind Tree Pictures

Director: Danielle MacLean | Producers: Anna Grieve, Danielle MacLean

JURY STATEMENT: “We found the winning work to be exceptionally moving and beautifully crafted, making excellent use of archival recordings, and combining expert commentary with vérité scenes on Country – creating a wonderful balance between Australia’s unreconciled history, and a real time journey through Indigenous authorship, art, and ownership. The careful use of drone footage of Country evokes the artist’s work, creating visual and metaphoric connection to place.  The film doesn’t just celebrate the extraordinary work of an iconic Australian female artist but celebrates the power of place, community, and evolving perspectives. We unanimously chose Emily: I am Kam.”

BEST SHORT-FORM DOCUMENTARY

(With a $2,000 cash prize presented by AFTRS)

WINNER | WIEAMBILLA RECONSTRUCTED

2025 | Guardian Australia

Producer: Lisa Favazzo | Reporter: Andrew Messenger | Sound Designer: Miles Martignoni | Executive Producers: Molly Glassey, Shelley Hepworth

JURY STATEMENT: “There were many standout short-form documentaries this year; however, the compelling use of the footage available to the filmmakers of Wieambilla Reconstructed created a captivating and engaging story that was really befitting of the short-form medium. When discussing the films together, it was easy to see the emotional pull the film had on each of the jurors.”

BEST INTERACTIVE / IMMERSIVE DOCUMENTARY

WINNER | THE WORLD CAME FLOODING IN

2025 | Film Camp

Directors: Directors: Isobel Knowles, Van Sowerwine | Producers: Philippa Campey, Isobel Knowles, Van Sowerwine

JURY STATEMENT: “It was brilliant to see the quality of the projects in this category in spite of the recent funding challenges for this type of work in Australia. The World Came Flooding In takes full advantage of the immersive and interactive capabilities of working in the VR form. The very act of remembering is a constructed reality and as participants we are invited to experience another’s memories as three dimensional and immersive. Clearly the team have spent a lot of time thinking deeply on how and why this story makes sense in VR as well as how a participant can move though the experience whilst being cared for. The narration calmly guides the participant through these constructed, lost worlds and memories of the grieving while reminding us to look after ourselves and be empowered to exit, should the experience be too overwhelming. The jury recognised the consideration and deep thought that informed all aspects of the project’s execution and experiential resonance.” 

BEST AUDIO DOCUMENTARY

WINNER | BROKEN TRUST

2025 | Guardian Australia

Producer: Miles Herbert | Reporter: Ben Smee | Sound Designers: Joe Koning, Camilla Hannan | Executive Producers: Hannah Parkes, Shelley Hepworth | Investigations Editor: Marni Cordell

JURY STATEMENT: “The calibre of the nominees in this category was impressive and inspired rigorous deliberation. Ultimately, Broken Trust left a significant impression on the Jury – stirring a fury of injustice, and a fierce desire for immediate action. Broken Trust’s investigation into the Queensland Police Service and alleged failures in domestic violence deaths delivered a difficult yet compelling listen, which added complexity and nuance to a perennially devastating national conversation. Hearing the police body camera audio was jaw dropping and gut wrenching while conversations with family members and experts were foregrounded against minimal music and sound design, allowing the subject matter to speak for itself creating a highly impactful audio documentary.”

PITCH PRIZES

During the Awards Presentation, winners were announced for the Indigenous Creators Pitch (with a $5,000 cash prize presented by AIDC), the Post Lounge Group Doc Pitch, Shark Island Foundation Feature Docs Pitch, DocPlay Indie Booster, and the FACTory Pitch Prizes awarded to participating projects by international documentary festivals and markets. 

INDIGENOUS CREATORS PITCH PRIZE WINNER

The Indigenous Creators Pitch, supported by Indigenous Business Australia, provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators with the opportunity to pitch a project in development to a closed room of local and international buyers looking to support Indigenous-led nonfiction stories, with a $5,000 prize for best pitch provided by AIDC.

WINNER | FOREVER FIFTEEN – $5,000

Pitch Team: Karla Hart, Amanda Morrison

Logline: After the death of her 15-year-old son, Cassius Turvey, a grieving mother turns relentless love into a national campaign to ensure his name is remembered and justice is fully delivered.

THE POST LOUNGE GROUP DOC PITCH WINNERS

The Post Lounge Group Doc Pitch prize of equity investment through development, production, and post-production support – provided by post-production house The Post Lounge and their production arm Orange Entertainment Co. – was increased from $35,000 to $65,000 and shared between two projects. The Pitch took place as part of AIDC 2026’s Cut to the Chase curated meetings program.

WINNERS:

HELL HAS NO FIRE ESCAPE – $15,000 worth of development services across The Post Lounge Group

ANCHORWOMAN – $50,000 worth of post-production services from The Post Lounge, plus EP/financing services from Orange Entertainment Co.

SHARK ISLAND FOUNDATION FEATURE DOCS PITCH WINNER

The philanthropic Shark Island Foundation Feature Docs Pitch awarded $100,000 in development grants to four projects. The Pitch took place as part of AIDC 2026’s Cut to the Chase curated meetings program.

WINNERS:

UNORTHODOCTOR – $25,000

THE DIG – $25,000

UP TO SPEED – $25,000

ESTRANGED – $25,000

Each project also receives a placement in the inaugural Shark Island Kangaroo Valley Development Lab. 

Congratulations also to FACTory Central Showcase project SAVING TUVALU, offered a $50,000 production grant by Shark Island Foundation.

DOCPLAY INDIE BOOSTER RECIPIENTS

Australian documentary streaming platform Doc Play provided two independently-produced documentary features with a share of AUD $20,000 to boost their in-cinema theatrical releases.

RECIPIENTS:

MOSQUITOES – $10,000

THE DIG – $10,000

FACTORY PITCH PRIZE WINNERS

DOK LEIPZIG PRIZE (Germany)

Includes two complimentary passes to participate in DOK Leipzig 

WINNER | SISTERS IN WAR

Director: Lay Thida; Producer: Maya Newell

Closer Productions (Australia, Myanmar)

Two brave sisters turn away from their family duties to join the armed fight against the military Junta, along with thousands who dream of a democratic, ethnically diverse Myanmar.

DOC EDGE PRIZE (New Zealand)

Includes two complimentary All Access Passes and a waiver of project submission fees.

WINNER 1 | SAVING TUVALU

Directors: Amelia Tovey, Kate Blackmore; Collaborating Director: Kato Ewekia; Producers: Chris Kamen, Rebecca Barry; Cultural Advisor: Lilivao Roberts

Media Stockade, Filmtank (Australia, Tuvalu, Germany)

As Tuvalu sinks beneath rising seas young people begin transferring their land and culture online – but can a digital nation save what the ocean will erase?

WINNER 2 | SEAHORSE SCHOOL

Director: Harriet Spark; Producers: Rebecca Barry, Chris Kamen

Media Stockade, Grumpy Turtle Films (Australia)

A filmmaker forms an unexpected bond with two marine biologists racing to save a critically endangered seahorse species in one of the world’s busiest harbours as they navigate the challenges of fatherhood.

SHEFFIELD DOCFEST NETWORKING PRIZE (UK)

Includes two complimentary festival passes and a waiver on MeetMarket pitch submission fees 

WINNER | ALL FIXED UP

Director: Hao Zhou; Producers: Jenny Wu Man, Tyler Hill

Dudububu Ltd (China, USA)

After trying to “straighten out” their queer heir, a Southwest Chinese family pursues a face-saving masquerade, leading the family into a reconciliation with lies, identity, and a changing vision of their future.

VISIONS DU RÉEL PRIZE (Switzerland)

Includes two complimentary Networking Accreditations and a waiver of project submission fees 

WINNER | ALL FIXED UP

Director: Hao Zhou; Producers: Jenny Wu Man, Tyler Hill

Dudububu Ltd (China, USA)

DOCS BY THE SEA PRIZE (Indonesia)

Includes two complimentary passes to participate and invitation to participate in a development lab.

WINNER | OUR BODIES

Director: Bora Lee-Kil; Producers: Sona Jo, Emi Ueyama

(SonaFilms, ARTicle Films) South Korea, Japan

CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) filmmaker Bora Lee-Kil explores the vibrant Deaf community, sharing stories that challenge disability, normalcy, and reproductive rights.

DMZ DOCS PRIZE (South Korea)

Includes two complimentary passes to participate, a waiver on project submission fees and up to 4 nights accommodation if attending in-person.

WINNER | SISTERS IN WAR

Director: Lay Thida; Producer: Maya Newell

Closer Productions (Australia, Myanmar)

RAINA FILM FESTIVAL DISTRIBUTION PRIZE

Includes festival consultation & strategy, or six months of free global festival distribution based on a strategy devised by Raina, determined in consultation with the winning team.

WINNER | THE LAST RODEO

Director: Ursula Grace Williams; Producer: Alexander Behse

Monsoon Pictures International (New Zealand, USA, Australia)

Embedded within New Zealand’s tight-knit rodeo scene, The Last Rodeo captures the adrenaline-fueled circuit, as riders and intergenerational families navigate tradition while fighting for their sport’s right to exist.

SOUTHERN LIGHT AWARD

As part of the AIDC Awards ceremony, the two already-announced $5,000 AIDC Southern Light Awards for outstanding contribution to nonfiction screen, digital and/or audio media were presented to Simon Nasht and Karla Hart.

The first to provide an acceptance address during the Awards presentation, Simon Nasht is a filmmaker and passionate advocate for documentary. He has worked all over the world and co-founded Smith&Nasht with Dick Smith, creating acclaimed films including Frackman, The Children In The Pictures, and I Can Change Your Mind about Climate. 

Simon has also been a tireless champion for documentary across the screen industry, with policy makers and in the media.

“What we do is important. What we do matters, in a world where truth and fact becomes an optional extra,” said Simon in his acceptance address, on the profession of documentary making.

“In a world that is driven by division and where the mother of all changes is coming in AI, that is going to completely upend our version of reality, we, as documentary makers, have an absolute responsibility to never give in on that idea – that truth matters, that stories must be told, and that the world can be a better place if we understand it better.”

The second Southern Light winner to provide an acceptance address, Karla Hart is one of Australia’s most influential First Nations screen practitioners – a Noongar filmmaker, producer and cultural leader whose work has fundamentally reshaped storytelling on national platforms.

As founder of Karla Hart Productions, she has created over 140 episodes of broadcast television as producer, writer and director – including Family Rules, On Country Kitchen and The Return – Stuff the British Stole.

Across every project, Karla champions First Nations creative leadership and community authority on screen – redefining what Australian storytelling looks like at the highest level.

“You know, representation matters, but who tells the story matters even more. Because anyone can walk into a community with a camera, but without cultural knowledge, without protocol, without trust, you risk watering down our culture,” said Karla in her address.

“And that doesn’t just affect a film or a TV show. It shapes how future generations see themselves. Our stories carry responsibility. And that’s why I do this work. I want the world to see what I see every single day. And that is Blak excellence and Blak love in our communities, in our elders, in our young people dreaming big. And storytelling is powerful because it opens doors. We invite people in, we entertain, and then change happens.”

AIDC 2026: HOLD TRUE was held 2-5 March at ACMI in Melbourne / Naarm, with an online international marketplace running 11-12 March 2026.

Main Image: Yurlu | Country (2025) Illuminate Films, Photo by Tom Bannigan, Directed by Yaara Bou Melhem.