The Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) has unveiled the theme and first speakers for its 40th anniversary edition, with the event set to return to Sydney for the first time in more than 30 years.
The 2027 conference will bring documentary and factual storytellers together under the banner REFRAMED, with a new partnership with Screen NSW helping bring the milestone event to the Harbour City.
The theme will explore how documentary storytelling can challenge accepted narratives, question who gets to frame the truth and bring previously unheard perspectives into focus. The program will also examine issues including propaganda, misinformation, censorship and the impact of artificial intelligence on factual storytelling.
The first announced speakers include Honeyland filmmaker Tamara Kotevska, Blackfella Films managing director Darren Dale, American Doctor director Poh Si Teng, Archival Producers Alliance co-founder Rachel Antell, Sundance Film Festival senior programmer Basil Tsiokos and Documentary Film Council CEO Mandy Chang.
Further international and national speakers and decision makers are expected to be announced in the coming months, with the conference also welcoming new buyers and commissioners from companies including Foxtel/Binge, ESPN, NITV and Sundance Film Festival.
The marketplace and industry development program will include the FACTory International Pitching Forum, Cut to the Chase meetings program and The Showroom, alongside funding and development opportunities for documentary projects.
Across its marketplace, industry development and awards programs, AIDC 2027 has already unlocked access to more than $275,000 in project development funding, professional development and prizes.
The 2027 AIDC Awards will also return, recognising Australian documentary and factual content across seven categories. Business and All Access passes are now available, with the full conference program set to be revealed on February 2, 2027.
More information can be found on the AIDC website HERE.
