Australia’s premier forum and marketplace for documentary and factual storytelling - the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) - has launched its theme and first confirmed guests for AIDC 2026, taking place 2-5 March at ACMI in Melbourne / Narrm, and followed by an online international marketplace 11-12 March.
In 2026, AIDC foregrounds the solidarity and resilience of the documentary and factual community, inviting the industry to come together under the theme HOLD TRUE to safeguard creative practice and fortify a sustainable future for our filmmakers and our stories.
Through a curated program of industry sessions, spotlight speakers, screenings and initiatives, AIDC 2026 will celebrate the work of those navigating the evolving media landscape, and call for a joining of forces to champion vital change and to protect the ongoing viability of the sector.
The first speakers announced include: Aloke Devichand (UK) Head of Documentaries for Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse Productions; Rita Baghdadi (USA), Emmy®-winning filmmaker and co-founder of Lady & Bird Films (Sirens, Photographer: Finding the Light); Tom McDonald (UK/USA) Executive Vice President of Content for National Geographic; and Maya Daisy Hawke (NZ/USA) editor of multiple award-winning films and frequent Werner Herzog collaborator (Navalny,Sugarcane, Cave of Forgotten Dreams, Grizzly Man).
Over 40 decision makers from high-profile national and international broadcasters, streamers, distributors, sales agents and funding bodies have already been announced, including new and returning representatives from American Documentary | POV (USA), Asian Shadows (Hong Kong), Blue Ant Media/Love Nature (USA), Blue Ice Docs Inc.(Canada), Cargo Film & Releasing (USA), CAT&Docs (France), Channel 4 (UK), Dogwoof (UK), Hulu (USA), Points North Institute (USA) - with many more still to come!
AIDC’s expansive marketplace program of exciting pitches and initiatives features the return of the Cut to the Chasecurated pitch meetings program (including the $100k Shark Island Foundation Feature Docs Pitch) and the 11th edition of market centrepiece The FACTory International Pitching Showcase, presented by VicScreen.
With the return of Leading Lights - AIDC’s philanthropically-funded program for diverse and emerging storytellers, featuring a tailored professional development program by presenting partner AFTRS and the exclusive Leading Lights Pitch (applications accepted until 7 December) - AIDC 2026 has already unlocked over $190,000 in project development funding, professional development and prizes for delegates.
Set to cap AIDC 2026 on Thursday 5 March 2026, nominations are now sought for the prestigious 6th annual AIDC Awards, recognising outstanding completed works of new Australian documentary and factual content across six categories: Best Feature Documentary, Best Documentary/Factual Series, Best Documentary/Factual Single, Best Short-Form Documentary (with a cash prize presented by AFTRS), Best Audio Documentary and Best Interactive/Immersive Documentary.
AIDC Members are also encouraged to nominate an Australian documentary and factual industry luminary for the 2026 AIDC Southern Light Award, a $5,000 cash prize given by AIDC to an Australian industry professional for their outstanding contribution to nonfiction screen, digital and/or audio media.
Further announcements about AIDC’s Indigenous Creators Program and major new initiatives and pitching opportunities will follow in the coming weeks, with the full session program to be revealed 29 January 2026. Registration for AIDC 2026 is now open.
Details on attending the conference as follows:
Conference 2-5 March, ACMI, Melbourne / Naarm
International Marketplace 11-12 March, Online