by FilmInk Staff
The Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) is proud to open applications for the 2026 Leading Lights philanthropic funding program, helping industry newcomers establish themselves within Australia’s nonfiction screen community.
Leading Lights supports emerging and early career, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, d/Deaf, disabled or neurodiverse, culturally and linguistically diverse, and regional or remote screen creatives to attend AIDC for the first time and receive professional development opportunities.
Since launching in 2018, 306 emerging and diverse screen creatives have attended AIDC and participated in the Leading Lights professional development program, thanks to the support of industry donors.
All Leading Lights recipients receive a complimentary Sessions Pass allowing them to attend AIDC 2026 and to participate in exclusive Leading Lights professional development activities thanks to the support of presenting partner AFTRS, including the Leading Lights Skills Development Workshop, Leading Lights Meet and Greet, and Leading Lights Pitch.
Each year, the Leading Lights program is enthusiastically received by participants as one of AIDC’s key industry development activities.
“Attending my first AIDC as a Leading Light participant was so beneficial,” said 2025 Leading Lights recipient, Hugh Humphreys.
“It allowed me to connect with others in the industry, pitch my project to an industry panel, and learn so much more to expand my horizons as a factual producer. The speakers, sessions and decision makers were all so knowledgeable and generous with their experience, and the organising team made everything so straightforward!”
2025 Leading Lights recipient Celyren Leckie, shares a similar experience: “The organisers have fostered an incredibly supportive and open environment, particularly for newcomers like myself. As a participant in the Leading Lights program, I had the opportunity to gain invaluable experience and a truly welcoming introduction to the conference.
“All of the sessions were thoughtfully curated and deeply insightful…We had the chance to take part in Cut to the Chase and the Showroom meetings and walked away with some really exciting opportunities. I couldn’t recommend [Leading Lights] more highly!”
AIDC extends its thanks to Leading Lights presenting partner AFTRS and our early donor supporters, including Above the Line Accounting, Boardwalk Pictures, b00mdone films, Joany Sze, Paul Wiegard, and SBS.
“The support offered through Leading Lights is more than just access – it’s a meaningful step towards a more inclusive and vibrant screen industry,” said Robbie Miles, Head of Industry and Alumni Engagement, AFTRS.
“AFTRS is proud to continue partnering with AIDC to help emerging and diverse non-fiction storytellers connect with industry professionals, build their networks, and share their stories with audiences across Australia.”
Michael Hilliard of returning Leading Lights donor organisation, Boardwalk Pictures, shares a similar view of the program’s benefits: “Leading Lights is a powerful and important program for emerging Australian nonfiction talent – providing valuable access to established industry practitioners, mentorship, and training.
“Boardwalk Pictures Australia has sponsored the program since its inception, facilitating creative connections between Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the UK, and beyond. As an assessor on the 2024 pitch panel, I was entertained, engaged, and inspired by the proposals of these storytellers. The Leading Lights program writes a bright future for the industry, and of course we are delighted to be sponsors again this year.”
Applications for the 2026 Leading Lights Program close Sunday 7 December 2025. Successful Leading Lights applicants may be eligible for travel support from their representative state or territory screen agencies.
For more information, head to:
AIDC Leading Lights
ABOUT AIDC
Established in 1987, the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) is a not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting and elevating nonfiction storytelling through a range of creative and business opportunities across film, television, streaming and digital media. AIDC is an innovative and industry-leading event welcoming industry players from all over the globe to drive collaboration, production and industry development and to inspire innovation and ignite social change.
