By FilmInk Staff
The Australian International Documentary Council (AIDC) today announced the opening of its 2025 Leading Rights Charitable Funding Program, which will help industry newcomers establish themselves as part of Australia’s non-fiction film community.
Leading Lights is the first professional development opportunity for screen creators from emerging countries, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, deaf, disabled or neurodiverse, culturally and linguistically diverse regions or remote locations to attend AIDC. We support you in obtaining opportunities.
Since its launch in 2018, thanks to the support of industry donors, a total of 258 up-and-coming and diverse screen creators have been able to join AIDC and participate in Leading Light’s professional development program.
All selected Reading Light recipients will receive a free session pass to attend AIDC 2025 and participate in the Reading Light program supported by program partner AFTRS.
“I had heard great things about AIDC and the Leading Rights Program, but nothing could have prepared me for the incredible experience, connections, learning, and support I received the moment I arrived at ACMI,” says Leading in 2024 says Rights winner Julia Lersch.
“I was deeply impressed by the high quality of sessions, programming, and consistent opportunities to connect with top decision-makers, filmmakers, and the industry. I learned a lot and made more new connections than I expected. AIDC is full of content and a rich experience, with an amazing, welcoming, passionate and engaged community.”
Kaylen Langford, the 2024 Leading Lights recipient, reported a similar experience. “The team at AIDC told us to wear our Leading Rights badges with pride, and we weren’t lying when we said the rest of the participants would welcome us with open arms. As a first-time documentary maker and first time attendee at AIDC, I felt included, supported and welcomed into the vibrant world of documentary filmmakers.”
Rachel Clements and Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films said: “We are thrilled that Leading Lights is offering so many filmmakers the opportunity to participate in Australia’s most important annual documentary conference. I’m happy,” he said.
“And it’s especially great to see so many people from different regions and diverse regions of our country participating.”
Applications for the 2025 Reading Light Program are now being accepted and the closing date is Sunday, December 8, 2024.
For more information and to apply, visit Leading Lights.
Image: Leading Lights Pitch 2024. Credit: Melissa Butters
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