Applications Open For AIDC 2026 FACTory International Pitching Forum

Applications are now open for the 11th edition of AIDC’s centrepiece pitching event for new documentary and factual projects, The FACTory International Pitching Forum, proudly presented by VicScreen.

Taking place during AIDC 2026, The FACTory will once again feature the most exciting new feature documentary and series projects from around Australia and the world. 

Up to 15 teams will be selected to present their work to a world-class line-up of Australian and international commissioners, sales agents, funders, and distributors across three strands: Central Showcase, New Talent Showcase, and Rough Cut Showcase. 

In 2026, The FACTory will feature an extensive line-up of in-person and online international decision makers and industry experts assessing and providing feedback on projects. 

Participants will have access to high-level mentoring and pitch training conducted by experienced screen practitioners, and expanded opportunities for one-on-one meetings with key international decision makers.

Applications are now being accepted for projects including features, singles, and series (limited and returnable).

Project submissions will be assessed by a panel of international experts, including Robert Y. Chang, Co-Producer POV, American Documentary | POV (USA), Pamela Martínez Martínez, CEO / Sales & Acquisitions, Limonero Films BCN SL (Spain), Dean Gibson, Co-Founder, Producer, Writer, Director, Allstory Pictures (AUS), Michael Hilliard, Executive Producer, Boardwalk Pictures Australia (AUS), Mita Suri, Film Programme Manager, Sheffield DocFest (UK), and Julian Etienne, Climate Story Fund Officer, Doc Society (UK).

Entry to The FACTory is competitive, and assessors will consider criteria like originality, marketplace viability, and international appeal.

Since its inception in 2016, 132 projects have been pitched in The FACTory, including acclaimed documentaries Mystify: Michael Hutchence, Under the Volcano, Carbon: The Unauthorised Biography, Walkley Award winner Delikado, Hot Docs Best International Documentary winner, Blue Island, double AACTA Award Winner Mozart’s Sister, as well as The Black Hand and Ningaloo Nyinggulu both currently streaming on ABC iView.

The most recent FACTory projects to reach local and international screens include Spreadsheet Champions (SXSW, Hot Docs distributed by Madman Entertainment) Iron Winter (Visions du Réel, Camden International Film Festival) and Yurlu | Country (Doc Edge NZ, MIFF) both distributed by Bonsai Films.

“The FACTory is the heart of AIDC’s marketplace program and a world-class pitching forum spotlighting  bold, creative and innovative projects in development to unlock support from local and international industry representatives,” said AIDC CEO / Creative Director, Natasha Gadd. 

“Over the past 10 editions, The FACTory has been a launch pad for 132 projects across a range of genres and topics – from AI lovers to Mongolian herders, spreadsheet wizards and First Nations rangers – each taking their unique story and style to audiences across the globe.

“As the only dedicated pitching forum for nonfiction in Australia, we encourage you to submit your projects in development and look forward to what untold stories await us for AIDC’s 2026 FACTory line-up”.

The regular submission deadline for projects is Wednesday, 5 November 2025. Projects submitted by the late deadline of Sunday, 9 November 2025, will incur an additional fee. Applicants can find Submission Guidelines on The FACTory webpage, and submit through the FACTory online portal.

Successful applicants will be offered a 10% discount on AIDC 2026 All Access Passes as FACTory participants. (An All Access Pass is required for participation The FACTory). Refer to relevant Submission Guidelines for further details.

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AIDC 2026 will take place 2-5 March 2026 at ACMI and Fed Square in Melbourne / Naarm, followed by an online international marketplace, 11-12 March 2026.