AACTA’s horror and genre film development initiative is back for a third year, with applicants invited to pitch their feature film concept that incorporates this year’s theme: Mother.

This year’s recipient will receive $10,000 in development funds and an Australian theatrical distribution agreement with Monster Pictures Distribution.

They will also get two tickets to the 2022 AACTA Awards and a 12-month AACTA Professional Membership, allowing them to attend AACTA Events, access to AACTA TV, and opportunities to network with some of the biggest names in the Australian screen industry.

Previous recipients include writer and director Jordan Watton and producer Julia Corcoran for their winning concept Burning, which took out AACTA Pitch: Isolation in 2020; and Josh and Laura Sambono, the recipients of AACTA Pitch: Bite in 2021 for feature film concept Drop Bears.

AACTA encourages emerging or experienced content creators to enter, particularly those from diverse and under-represented backgrounds. Entry is $60 for AACTA members and $95 for non-members. For a limited time, AACTA will be waiving the entry fee for applicants who become a new AACTA Professional or AACTA General Member.

Initial entry requirements include title, logline, 3-minute video pitch, 500-word synopsis and résumé of the writer/s and/or director/s.

Round one entries close at 11:59pm AEST on Friday, September 23.