OVERVIEW

The FACTory is AIDC’s international pitching showcase for new documentary and factual projects, proudly presented by VicScreen. 

Do you have a unique documentary or series project in development that has global appeal and is market-ready? Would you like the opportunity to pitch your project to a world-class line-up of Australian and international broadcasters, streamers, sales agents, funders, festivals, and distributors at AIDC 2026?

Applications for the 2026 edition of AIDC’s international pitching showcase for new documentary and factual projects – The FACTory – are open from Wednesday 17 September 2025.

Up to 15 projects with strong market potential will be selected to pitch to international and local decision makers across three strands: Central Showcase, New Talent Showcase and Rough Cut Showcase. Decision makers will include a wide range of representatives from broadcasters, streamers, sales agents, distributors, funders, and festivals. 

In 2026, AIDC welcomes all producers and decision makers to attend the FACTory in-person while still providing the opportunity to participate online if needed.

In 2026, The FACTory will feature: 

  • an enhanced line-up of international decision makers assessing and providing feedback on projects;
  • access to tailored online mentoring conducted by experienced screen practitioners, in addition to group and individual pitch training;
  • greater opportunity for one-on-one meetings with key decision makers by having high visibility and priority in the marketplace.

Over the last nine editions, AIDC has supported 117 project teams to participate in The FACTory. Don’t miss your chance to pitch to the people who can help take your project to new heights!

HOW IT WORKS

AIDC’s Industry Team works closely with an international assessment committee to shortlist projects for the prestigious FACTory program.

The program will offer tailored feedback and training from industry experts in the lead-up, and increased opportunities for business outcomes by hosting both a live pitch and a tailored one-to-one meeting program with decision makers during AIDC.

Selected projects will pitch and present their trailers over 7 minutes (or 15 minutes for Rough Cuts), and will also be required to submit a pre-recorded pitch ahead of AIDC (with trailer or footage included in this edit), to be made available to decision makers who cannot physically attend.  Select decision makers will then:

  • Request meetings with projects to occur during AIDC
  • Provide feedback on the projects

Entry to the FACTory is competitive, so please ensure your projects are original ideas that will appeal to buyers across Australian and international markets.

CENTRAL SHOWCASE

The FACTory’s Central Showcase is designed to present experienced project teams to international decision makers, including commissioners, funders, streamers, distributors, sales agents, and festivals. Projects in development and production demonstrating strong international potential will be automatically considered for this showcase. 

The FACTory Central Showcase will be held in The Edge amphitheatre at Fed Square. Click ‘Read More’ below for information about Applicant Eligibility and Project Eligibility.

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NEW TALENT SHOWCASE

The FACTory’s New Talent Showcase is designed to present the brightest new screen talents to decision makers and production companies around the world. Projects in development and production featuring a director or producer presenting their first major work will be automatically considered for this showcase.

The FACTory New Talent Showcase will be held in The Edge amphitheatre at Fed Square. Click ‘Read More’ below for information about Applicant Eligibility and Project Eligibility.

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ROUGH CUT SHOWCASE

The FACTory’s Rough Cut Showcase is designed to present projects in late stages and post-production that need to close financing gaps, and secure sales, distribution and festival opportunities.

The FACTory Rough Cut Showcase will take place in ACMI, Fed Square. Click ‘Read More’ below for information about Applicant Eligibility and Project Eligibility

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“WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF BEING PART OF THE FACTORY 2024 COHORT, WHICH WAS AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE THAT ADDED EXTRAORDINARY VALUE TO OUR PROJECT. FROM THE BEGINNING, THE INDUSTRY TEAM WAS SUPPORTIVE, CONSIDERATE AND ENERGETIC. THEY REALLY CREATED SUCH VALUABLE SPACE FOR FIRST-TIME PITCHERS. WE FELT SUPER-PREPARED WALKING INTO OUR DAUNTING LIVE PITCH, WHICH BECAME A KEY PART OF THE PROJECT’S TRAJECTORY. THE FACTORY GAVE US A FANTASTIC PLATFORM WITH WHICH TO LAUNCH OUR DOCUMENTARY. WITH ACCESS TO MANY OF THE KEY INTERNATIONAL DECISION MAKERS. THIS IS A REALLY IMPORTANT PROGRAM FOR AUSTRALIAN FACTUAL CREATIVES.”  

– ANNA CHARALAMBOUS
GOOD THING PRODUCTIONS

“I ATTENDED MY FIRST AIDC CONFERENCE THIS PAST FEBRUARY AND IMMEDIATELY DETERMINED IT IS A MUST-ATTEND EVENT. THE CURATION, INCLUSION AND TOP-NOTCH PRODUCTION MAKE IT, IN MY OPINION, ONE OF THE TOP INTERNATIONAL PLATFORMS FOR NONFICTION WORK. I WAS PARTICULARLY EXCITED TO CONNECT WITH THE INDIGENOUS FILMMAKING COMMUNITIES – A LINK WHICH THE FESTIVAL HAS CLEARLY CULTIVATED WITH INTENTION.”

– OPAL H. BENNETT
SENIOR PRODUCER, POV & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, POV SHORTS (USA)

HOW TO APPLY

Applications open: Wednesday 17 September 2025 at 11:00 AEST

Regular Deadline: Wednesday, 12 November 2025 at 23:59 AEDT
Submission cost AUD $55.00 (inc GST) per project*

Late Deadline: Sunday, 16 November 2025 at 23:59 AEDT
Submissions cost AUD $65.00 (inc GST) per project*

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