The Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) today opened applications for the 2025 The FACTory International Pitching Showcase, proudly presented by VicScreen and marking the 10th Anniversary edition of AIDC’s centrepiece pitching forum for new documentary and factual projects.
Taking place during AIDC 2025, The FACTory will once again feature the most exciting new feature documentary and series projects from around Australia and the world.
Up to 15 teams will be selected to present their work to a world-class line-up of Australian and international commissioners, sales agents, funders, and distributors across three strands: Central Showcase, New Talent Showcase, and Rough Cut Showcase.
In 2025, The FACTory will feature an extensive line-up of in-person and online international decision makers and industry experts assessing and providing feedback on projects. Participants will have access to high-level mentoring and pitch training conducted by experienced screen practitioners, 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 Marissa McDowell, Producer, Black & White Films (AUS); Maria Santos, IDA Funds Officer, International Documentary Association (USA); Yukari Misaizu, Senior Producer, NHK Enterprises (JPN); Jim Kolmar, Film Curator, SXSW (USA); and Krishan Arora, International Consultant SBS (UK).
Entry to The FACTory is competitive, and assessors will consider criteria like originality, marketplace viability, and international appeal.
Since its inception in 2016, 117 projects have been pitched in The FACTory, including acclaimed documentaries Mystify: Michael Hutchence, Under the Volcano, Carbon: The Unauthorised
Biography, Walkley Award-winner Delikado, Hot Docs Best International Documentary winner, Blue Island, and AACTA Awards Best Documentary nominees The Last Daughter, Clean and Franklin.
The most recent FACTory projects to reach our screens include Mozart’s Sister (FACTory 2019), distributed by Bonsai Films; Aquarius (FACTory 2023) and Queens of Concrete (FACTory 2020) both distributed by Madman Entertainment. As well as The Black Hand (FACTory 2021) and Ningaloo Nyinggulu (FACTory 2020), both currently streaming on ABC iView.
“With AIDC’s FACTory International Pitching Showcase celebrating its 10th anniversary, we are excited to welcome submissions for original, bold and engaging documentary and factual projects that have the potential to uncover untold stories from all corners of the globe,” said AIDC CEO and Creative Director, Natasha Gadd.
“In 2025, we are thrilled to offer additional support for selected projects through enhanced mentoring, training and curated meetings to ensure greater project outcomes for teams pitching their projects to our line-up of world-class decision makers. Building on the successful outcomes of The FACTory over the past nine editions, we can’t wait to see what new talent and stories will be discovered in 2025!”
The regular submission deadline for projects is Wednesday 13 November 2024. Projects submitted by the late deadline of Sunday 17 November 2024, will incur an additional fee. Applicants can find Submission Guidelines on The FACTory webpage, and submit through the FACTory online portal.
SPECIAL AUDIO NETWORK OFFER FOR FACTORY APPLICANTS
Audio Network has partnered with AIDC to grant FACTory applicants free access to their extensive music catalogue, featuring original, high-quality tracks from world-renowned artists and composers—to enhance applicant’s AIDC pitch. For more information and to register for the Free Music Offer, please visit here.
AIDC 2025 will take place 2-5 March 2025 at ACMI and Fed Square in Melbourne / Naarm, followed by an online international marketplace, 6-7 March 2025
