APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR AIDC 2027 FACTORY INTERNATIONAL PITCHING FORUM

Applications are now open for the 12th edition of AIDC’s centrepiece pitching event for new documentary and factual projects, The FACTory International Pitching Forum, proudly presented by Screen NSW.

As part of AIDC 2027’s move to Sydney for its 40th Anniversary, The FACTory will take place in a striking new location: the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

AIDC is now calling for compelling new feature documentary and series projects from around Australia and the world to enter submissions for The FACTory’s Central Showcase, New Talent Showcase, and Rough Cut Showcase. 

Up to 15 teams will be selected to present their work to a world-class line-up of Australian and international decision makers and industry experts – including commissioners, sales agents, funders, and distributors – across the three showcase strands. 

Participants will have access to high-level mentoring and pitch training conducted by experienced screen industry professionals, 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 Zoe Stinson (Acquisitions and Productions Manager, TVF International), Jason Ryle (International Programmer, TIFF), Gunny (Gune) Hyoung (Commissioning Editor, EBS & Artistic Director, EIDF), and Margje de Koning (Director, Movies That Matter), with more to be announced.

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

Since its inception in 2016, 146 projects have been pitched in The FACTory, including documentaries like Walkley Award winner Delikado, Hot Docs Best International Documentary winner Blue Island, and double AACTA Award winner Mozart’s Sister.

Alumni of The FACTory also include a number of recent festival hits and acclaimed releases, such as Iron Winter (MIFF 2025, Visions du Réel 2025), Replica (MIFF 2026), Death of a Shaman (MIFF 2026), Aftermath (pitched as Troublemaker) (AFF 2026), Yurlu | Country (SFF 2025, AIDC 2026 Best Documentary Feature Award winner), and SXSW and Hot Docs audience favourite Spreadsheet Champions.

AIDC CEO / Creative Director Natasha Gadd, said, “AIDC’s centrepiece FACTory forum is a unique opportunity to pitch projects in development to AIDC’s participating decision makers and industry representatives in a live and highly visible setting.

“Featuring original bold stories for global audiences, The FACTory provides a critical pathway to take projects to the next level, supporting pitching teams with expert mentoring and feedback and the potential to secure vital market support from local and international territories.

“We look forward to the 2027 submissions and showcasing the iconic FACTory pitch in our new home of Sydney with the support of Screen NSW.”

Screen NSW Executive Director Kylie Munnich said, “Screen NSW is delighted to be the presenting partner of the 12th edition of The FACTory International Pitching Forum, which has proven to be a dynamic platform to elevate projects, raise financing, and build pathways to audiences.

“It’s so encouraging to watch local and international practitioners pitch their competitively selected projects to potential investors and funders. It’s also a great arena to hear from the expert decision makers and get a sense of the current documentary and factual market.

“I look forward to welcoming AIDC to Sydney in 2027.”

The regular submission deadline for projects is Sunday 1 November. Projects submitted by the late deadline of Sunday 8 November, will incur an additional fee. Applicants can find Submission Guidelines on The FACTory webpage, and submit through the FACTory online portal.

APPLY NOW

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. For more information, visit www.aidc.com.au