APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 10th ANNIVERSARY LEADING LIGHTS PROGRAM
WELCOMING EMERGING & DIVERSE SCREEN CREATIVES TO AIDC 2027
AIDC 2027 will see the 10th anniversary of the Leading Lights program, AIDC‘s highly-regarded philanthropic funding initiative, enabling emerging and diverse nonfiction practitioners to attend the conference for the first time and participate in a customised professional development program presented by AIDC and AFTRS.
Applications for Leading Lights 2027 are now open for emerging and diverse Australian screen creatives who have not attended AIDC before, with all places funded by the generous contributions of industry donors. Funds for 22 Leading Lights have already been pledged for 2027, with AIDC’s Leading Lights Donor Drive still underway. Applications will close on Sunday 6 December 2026.
Securing over $214,000 in donations since its launch in 2018, Leading Lights has enabled 356 emerging and early-career, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, d/Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse, regional and remote, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) nonfiction practitioners to join the industry community at AIDC.
The program has grown to include an alumni program, project development and information sessions, networking with donors, and an exclusive Leading Lights Pitch with professional pitch mentorship.
All Leading Lights recipients receive a complimentary Sessions Pass allowing them to attend AIDC 2027 and to participate in exclusive Leading Lights professional development activities thanks to the support of presenting partner AFTRS, including a Leading Lights Skills Development Workshop, Leading Lights Meet and Greet, and Leading Lights Pitch.
Each year, the Leading Lights program is warmly welcomed by participants as one of AIDC’s key industry development activities.
“AIDC and Leading Lights was an excellent opportunity for me and my team to connect with the industry. As emerging filmmakers, half the battle is just getting in the room with people who can provide the guidance, feedback, support and connections to make it possible to bring your work to life,” said 2026 Leading Light recipient, Tess Brading.
“Our time at AIDC helped us clarify important directions for our feature film and gave us valuable connections. Without the support of Leading Lights, we would not have been able to attend.”
2026 Leading Lights recipient Martin Stringer, shared a similar experience:
“The (AIDC 2026) Leading Lights program was a genuinely valuable experience. The conversations were thoughtful, the access to industry was great, and I came away with stronger connections, clearer direction, and real momentum. It was fantastic to meet so many creatives, from fellow filmmakers to industry folks.”
2026 Leading Lights Meet & Greet | Photo by Ned Mansfield
AIDC extends its heartfelt thanks to Leading Lights program partner AFTRS and our early donor supporters, including SBS, Minderoo Pictures, Documentary Australia, Paul Wiegard, Above the Line Accounting, Bunya Productions, Jana Blair, Joany Sze, Mint Pictures, and Princess Pictures.
“At AFTRS, we believe that creativity and talent exist everywhere; opportunity does not. Leading Lights helps address that imbalance by opening doors to mentorship, industry networks and career-shaping opportunities for emerging documentary practitioners,” said Mathieu Ravier, AFTRS Director of Partnerships & Development.
“We’re proud to partner with AIDC to support diverse storytellers from across Australia, ensuring that the documentary sector benefits from the broadest possible range of voices, experiences and perspectives.”
Returning Leading Lights donor Paul Wiegard, Co-Founder & CEO of Madman Entertainment, shares a similar view of the program’s benefits:
“Leading Lights is an invaluable initiative that opens doors for emerging and diverse storytellers, bringing fresh voices, perspectives and ideas into Australia’s documentary community. By removing barriers to participation, it creates meaningful connections and opportunities for the next generation of filmmakers. Supporting Leading Lights is an investment in the talent, diversity and vitality of our documentary ecosystem.”
2026 Leading Lights Pitch | Photo by William Hamilton-Coates
Applications for AIDC’s 2027 Leading Lights Program are open now, and will close Sunday 6 December 2026.
Visit the AIDC Leading Lights page on the button below for more information and application Terms & Conditions.
The Leading Lights program will take place during AIDC 2027, 8-11 March in Sydney, NSW, on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.
AIDC 2027 is presented by Principal Partner Screen NSW, Presenting Partner Screen Australia, and Major Partners ABC and SBS
A first look at the AIDC 2027 program, including the announcement of key international speakers and industry guests, will be released on Thursday 5 November 2026.
Main Image: 2026 Leading Lights Pitch | Photo by William Hamilton-Coates