The Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) has opened applications for the 2023 Leading Lights program, designed to support emerging, Indigenous, and/or culturally and linguistically diverse screen creatives to attend AIDC for the first time and receive professional development opportunities.

Leading Lights is AIDC’s philanthropic funding program, assisting industry newcomers to establish themselves as part of Australia’s nonfiction screen community. Since launching in 2018, over 180 emerging and diverse screen creatives have been able to attend AIDC for the first time and participate in the Leading Lights professional development program.

All selected Leading Lights recipients receive a complimentary Sessions Pass allowing them to attend AIDC 2023 and to participate in the Leading Lights professional development program, supported by AFTRS.

In 2023, the Leading Lights Program will include a Leading Lights Pitching Workshop, with four participants selected for a special Leading Lights Pitch to program donors representing broadcasters, producers, screen agencies, and funders.

Next year also sees the return of two supporting initiatives: the Leading Lights Industry Program, connecting Leading Lights to industry opportunities; and the Leading Lights Alumni Program, providing pathways for previous Leading Lights to participate in the current conference program and developing a cohort of emerging filmmakers.