From Leading Lights to Global Release
How Anna Charalambous and 'Spreadsheet Champions' went from a first-time pitch to screens worldwide - and why you should apply for Leading Lights today.
Since 2018, AIDC’s Leading Lights program has opened doors for over 300 emerging and diverse screen creators, introducing fresh voices to Australia’s documentary community and launching burgeoning careers.
What began as an industry donor-supported fund has grown into a productive pathway for first-time AIDC attendees who identify as emerging or early-career, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, d/Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse, regional and remote, or from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
Leading Lights recipients receive a complimentary AIDC Sessions Only Pass, access to exclusive skills development workshops and networking events supported by AFTRS – and for four participants each year, the chance to pitch a project in development to industry decision-makers at the Leading Lights Pitch.
For some, that pitch becomes a launching pad to get vital support to greenlight a project.
From Terrifying to Transformative
In 2021, producer Anna Charalambous appeared before industry professionals in the inaugural Leading Lights Pitch to present her debut feature documentary Spreadsheet Champions – following young spreadsheet experts on their journey to a global Microsoft Excel competition. For Anna, this nerve-wracking first step would prove to be transformative.
“Being a Leading Light at AIDC 2021 was a fantastic experience,” Anna recalls.
“It gave me the chance to workshop a pitch and then present it to my cohort and industry professionals, which was both terrifying and exciting.”
That “terrifying” moment led to Good Thing Productions (Ellis Park, Australia’s Open) approaching Anna to develop the project. She joined the company as Assistant Producer, and the film began its journey from early development to realisation.
DIRECTOR KRISTINA KRASKOV AND PRODUCER ANNA CHARALAMBOUS AT THE FACTORY’S NEW TALENT SHOWCASE 2024 | PHOTO BY MELISSA BUTTERS
Building Momentum
By March 2024, Spreadsheet Champions had developed substantially to be selected for
The FACTory, AIDC’s international pitching forum. Anna and director Kristina Kraskov (herself a previous AIDC volunteer) pitched in the New Talent showcase, and secured 19 marketplace meetings during AIDC’s Cut to the Chase – including with Sundance, POV, Al Jazeera, Channel 4, and Nat Geo.
“The FACTory was such an incredible experience on top of an already great AIDC,” says Anna.
“As an emerging local creative, the chance to be spotlighted with a project gave us such a unique platform to network and discuss our work.”
By August 2024, Spreadsheet Champions had secured Screen Australia funding, with deals secured for distribution, international sales representation, and festival premieres.
In 2025, Spreadsheet Champions had its World Premiere at SXSW in the US, followed by multiple screenings including at Canada’s Hot Docs and its Australian Premiere at MIFF.
The film is now in worldwide digital release via spreadsheetchampions.com
STILL FROM ‘SPREADSHEET CHAMPIONS’ | COURTESY OF GOOD THING PRODUCTIONS
Your Turn
Anna’s journey from first-time attendee via the Leading Lights program to internationally-released producer began with a single application.
If you’re an emerging or diverse documentary, factual, or nonfiction screen or audio storyteller who has never attended AIDC, this could be your moment.
Leading Lights 2026 applications close Sunday 7 December 2025.