Are you an independent feature documentary maker with a project you plan on self-releasing?
Would you like the opportunity to secure $10,000 towards boosting your screening campaign rollout with the DocPlay Indie Booster?
As part of its commitment to local documentary filmmaking, leading documentary streaming platform DocPlay is looking to support two independently-produced Australian or Australia-New Zealand documentary features with a share of AUD $20,000 to boost their in-cinema theatrical releases. This P&A-designated (publicity and advertising) cash prize is designed to strategically reach and increase audiences for the film’s theatrical rollout.
DocPlay is inviting pitches from producers with feature documentaries at late production, post-production or completion stages. The films must be planning an independent release (i.e. must not have local distribution in ANZ attached, and should have SVOD rights available)
DocPlay is particularly keen to work with producers whose films have a distinct connection to specific communities or interest groups, and a considered pathway to reach those audiences.
Applications for the DocPlay Indie Booster are made through AIDC’s Cut to the Chase program with applications closing on Friday 23 January 2026 at 23:59 AEDT (or late deadline Friday 30 January 2026)
Developed by the award-winning team at Madman Entertainment, DocPlay is the destination for almost 2000 features and series from across the globe. They are committed to championing local storytelling: 40% of titles on DocPlay are from Australian and New Zealand producers.
“WATCHING A DOCUMENTARY IN THE CINEMA IS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE, AND IN A SHIFTING THEATRICAL LANDSCAPE, IT ISN’T ALWAYS EASY FOR PRODUCERS AND FILMMAKING TEAMS TO BRING THIS EXPERIENCE TO AUDIENCES. WITH THIS NEW INITIATIVE, WE WANT TO HELP BUILD, FOSTER, AND MAINTAIN THE DOCUMENTARY-LOVING COMMUNITY, WHILST ALSO CHAMPIONING BOLD, INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS WITH VIBRANT LOCAL STORIES AND PROVIDING ADDITIONAL PATHWAYS TO AUDIENCE TO HELP MAXIMISE ENGAGEMENT.”
RUFUS RICHARDSON
– DOCUMENTARY EXECUTIVE, DOCPLAY
Image Credit: The Lost City of Melbourne, photographer Pierre Robin, courtesy of Royal Historical Society of Victoria.
To be eligible to apply for DocPlay Indie Booster, applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or over;
- Have at least one Australian team member with an Australian ABN to be eligible to apply;
- Submit a documentary feature film in late production, post-production or completion stages for consideration;
- Submit a brief statement identifying the project’s target theatrical audience;
- If selected, be available to attend an in-person meeting(s) with DocPlay representatives during AIDC, Melbourne between Monday 2 March – Thursday 5 March 2026.
All applicants must register for an AIDC Business Pass / Online Business Pass or an All Access Pass / Online All Access Pass and apply through AIDC’s Cut to the Chase program to be eligible for the DocPlay Indie Booster.
AIDC is currently accepting applications for the DocPlay Indie Booster. Documentary feature films in late production, post-production or completion stages are eligible to apply.
Applications for the DocPlay Indie Booster are made through AIDC’s Cut to the Chase program with applications closing 23:59 (AEDT) Friday 23 January 2026 (or late deadline Friday 30 January 2026).
Main Image: The Road to Patagonia (2024), Never Never Studios, Photographer Matty Hannon
