The Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) has opened submissions for its 2027 Awards, introducing new categories to reflect changes across the documentary and factual sector.
The awards will separate documentary series and factual series for the first time, while a new digital-first category will recognise work created for platforms including YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
The changes come as AIDC prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027, with the awards returning for their eighth year across seven categories.
AIDC CEO and Creative Director Natasha Gadd said the revised categories aim to recognise the different ways documentary and factual projects are now developed and released.
“In an increasingly challenging climate for documentary and factual creators, the AIDC Awards are an opportunity to spotlight and celebrate bold and unique projects that have been released in the last year across a range of forms, formats and topics.”
The seven categories are Best Feature Documentary, Best Documentary Series, Best Factual Series, Best Documentary / Factual Single, Best Short Documentary, Best Audio Documentary and Best Digital First Documentary.
The new digital-first category expands the previous interactive and immersive documentary award to include a wider range of non-traditional formats.
Eligible projects must have had a public release in Australia or internationally between February 1, 2026, and February 1, 2027. Submissions close on Sunday, November 22, with late entries accepted until Wednesday, November 25.
Leading Lights program marks 10 years
Applications have also opened for the 2027 Leading Lights program, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary.
The initiative supports emerging and diverse Australian nonfiction practitioners to attend AIDC for the first time and take part in a professional development program co-presented with the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS).
Since launching, the program has secured more than $214,000 in donations and supported 356 emerging and early-career practitioners. Funding for 22 participants has already been pledged for 2027, with applications closing on Sunday, December 6, 2026.
AIDC 2027 will run from March 8 to 11 in Sydney, followed by an online international marketplace on March 23 and 24.
