Storytellers: pitch your creative idea and win a $5000 prize
Indigenous storytellers have the chance to win a $5000 prize as part of an initiative of the Indigenous Creators Program, supported by Indigenous Business Australia.
Applications have opened for documentary or factual projects in development that present bold, distinctive and authentic stories by Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander filmmakers across any genre, style and subject matter.
The Indigenous Creators Pitch has been designed to provide Indigenous creators with the opportunity to pitch a project to a closed room of local and international buyers looking to support Indigenous-led nonfiction stories and secure potential market support for their project.
Supported by IBA, one of the four selected projects will receive the $5000 prize.
Genevieve Grieves, main photo, who was the recipient of the 2025 award, said it was an amazing opportunity to present her project ‘Crystal Love’ to broadcasters.
“It’s been incredible to see the Indigenous Creators Pitch come into being at AIDC,” Ms Grieves said.
“Previously, we haven’t had a dedicated space to showcase our projects and seek meaningful support, so having this platform created specifically for First Nations storytellers is truly heartening.
“For us, it was an amazing opportunity to present our project to national and international broadcasters, gain valuable feedback and insights, and fortunately, receive early financial support.
Great opportunities
“That seed funding allowed us to take an idea at its very early stage and begin developing it in a real, tangible way.”
She added the pitch also led directly to broadcaster interest.
“We now have a partner attached and are actively developing the project together. The opportunities that emerged from this pitch played a vital role in helping us begin bringing this project to life.”
All submissions for the Indigenous Creators Pitch will be assessed by a panel of experienced screen professionals.
Assessed and shortlisted based on the following criteria:
- Creative strength and originality of the project
- Access to engaging and compelling characters and / or story
- The nature and quality of the submitted video materials as proof of concept
- Capacity of the individual/team to meet the creative vision and manage and deliver the project
- The practicality of the proposed finance plan
- The market viability of the project
- The team’s commitment to principles of inclusive and authentic storytelling and cultural appropriateness
Applicants must provide visual materials (trailer, teaser, or footage from the project) as part of their submission.
The Pitch will be presented as a session within the Indigenous Creators Program in a roundtable format at AIDC 2026.
All Indigenous Creators Program participants will also be invited into the pitch session to support the pitching teams and glean useful tips in the art of pitching and valuable industry insights from the decision makers in the room.
Applications to the AIDC 2026 Indigenous Creators Pitch closes Thursday, 15 January.
For guidelines and how to apply visit:
