AIDC 2027 FACTory Pitch Mentors & More Prizes Announced
International experts to mentor FACTory pitch teams, with projects in the running for prizes from global marketplaces
Do you have a unique documentary or series project in development that has global appeal and is market-ready? Would you like the opportunity to pitch your project to a world-class line-up of Australian and international broadcasters, streamers, sales agents, funders, festivals, and distributors at AIDC 2027?
The early deadline for the AIDC 2027 FACTory International Pitching Forum, proudly presented by Screen NSW, is coming up very soon: Sunday, 1 November, 2026!
The FACTory 2026 Central Showcase | Photo by William Hamilton-Coates
FACTORY PITCH MENTORS
We are excited to reveal the exceptional international pitch mentors confirmed to work with project teams to prepare them for the FACTory pitch, including:
→ Mandy Chang, Filmmaker, Undeniable Productions and CEO, Documentary Film Council (UK)
→ Denise Barren, Assistant Director, The Whickers (UK)
→ Eric Nyari, President/Producer, Cineric Creative (Japan/USA)
→ Doel Trivedy, Director/Producer, Riverbank Studios and Founder, Green Stories (India)
Learn more about the 2027 FACTory pitch mentors and project assessors here.
Mandy Chang
Denise Barren
Eric Nyari
Doel Trivedy
FACTORY PITCH PRIZES
We are also pleased to reveal some new additions to the international pitch prizes being offered at The FACTory 2027. Confirmed prizes now include:
→ Doc Edge 2027 FACTory Prize (New Zealand) – includes two complimentary passes to participate and a waiver on project submission fees.
→ Hot Docs 2027 FACTory Prize (Canada) – includes two complimentary passes to participate and a waiver on project submission fees.
→ Visions du Réel 2027 FACTory Prize (Switzerland) – includes two complimentary passes to participate and a waiver on project submission fees.
Plus the previously announced:
→ Docs by the Sea 2027 FACTory Prize (Indonesia) – includes two complimentary passes to participate and invitation to participate in a development lab.
→ DMZ Docs Industry 2027 FACTory Prize (South Korea) – includes two complimentary passes to participate, a waiver on project submission fees, 1:1 meetings with participating decision makers, and 3-4 nights accommodation if attending in-person.
→ Sheffield DocFest Networking Award 2027 (UK) – includes two complimentary festival passes and a waiver on MeetMarket submission fees.
Project submissions are now sought across three categories, the Central Showcase for projects in development and production demonstrating strong international potential; the New Talent Showcase for new screen talents presenting their first major work; and the Rough Cut Showcase for projects that need to close financing gaps, and secure sales, distribution and festival opportunities.
The FACTory International Pitching Forum will take place at the Art Gallery of New South Wales as part of AIDC 2027, 8-11 March, in Sydney.
Begin your FACTory project application today.
- Early entries close 23:59 AEDT, Sunday 1 November 2026
- Late submissions accepted until 23:59 AEDT, Sunday 8 November 2026, with an additional fee
Successful applicants will be offered a 10% discount on AIDC 2027 All Access Passes as FACTory participants. (An All Access Pass is required for participation in The FACTory). Refer to relevant Submission Guidelines for further details.
AIDC 2027 will take place 8-11 March in Sydney, NSW, on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, State Library of NSW and Botanic Gardens of Sydney, followed by an online international marketplace 23-24 March. Early Bird passes are on sale now.