DOC SOCIETY AND AIDC ANNOUNCE ART & IMPACT FELLOWSHIP AUSTRALIA

INTRODUCING THE ART & IMPACT FELLOWSHIP

Doc Society and AIDC are proud to announce the launch of the Art & Impact Fellowship Australia program, and are calling for submissions from social impact documentary storytellers to join a year-long creative mentorship and impact strategy fellowship starting this October, 2021.

Supported by Screen Australia’s Enterprise Funding Program, Doc Society’s Art & Impact Fellowship in partnership with AIDC will assist five Australian project teams to build effective strategies for using an independent documentary project as a tool for change, focusing on storytelling skills, developing impact campaigns and distribution strategies, creating audience engagement and finding new pathways to finance. 

SEEKING AMBITIOUS DOCUMENTARY STORIES

Led by Global Director of Good Pitch at Doc Society, Malinda Wink, and Doc Society’s Director of Australian Programs, Hollie Fifer, the program begins with a five-day Story & Impact Lab from 18-22 October 2021.

Ongoing support includes workshops and mentoring, access to the AIDC marketplace in March 2022, and a capstone market pitch to key international and Australian decision-makers and impact partners, with all opportunities tailored to each project.

Applications are now open, with a submission deadline of 10 September 2021. There are no fees to apply or participate. 

The Fellowship is seeking teams creating ambitious documentary stories that tackle a national or global issue, with something important to show about the world or ourselves.

Projects within the broad canvas of documentary are welcome – films, podcasts, VR or mixed media. Projects can be at any stage, from early production to rough cut. 

STRETCH YOUR STORYTELLING MUSCLE

“In the context of threats to democracy, our climate, social movements, rising economic injustice, and the ongoing global pandemic – never has the work of independent storytellers been more urgent and necessary. This fellowship is designed to support ambitious documentary projects that bring a unique perspective, resonating with audiences here and abroad,” said Malinda Wink, Global Director Good Pitch, Doc Society. 

“Documentary storytellers applying for the program should be ready to stretch their storytelling muscle, benefiting from global and local mentors across the year-long program, intimate access to global markets and documentary forums, and emerging with a bold new vision for their projects, distribution and audience.”

“Doc Society is excited to be working in partnership with AIDC who offer invaluable insight and access to world-class documentary knowledge, networking and business forum to selected lab participants,” said Hollie Fifer, Director of Australian Programs, Doc Society. 

“AIDC values the opportunities that Doc Society offers global documentary storytellers to realise ambitious market outcomes  for finance and distribution, storytelling and impact. We are thrilled to collaborate with Doc Society on the Art & Impact Fellowship and to further AIDC’s commitment to elevate and innovate the Australian documentary and factual community through bold new initiatives with impactful results,” said Natasha Gadd, CEO / Creative Director, AIDC.

For further information and to apply, visit docsociety.org/impact-lab-au/ or contact Hollie Fifer at hollie@docsociety.org. Successful applicants will be informed by 4 October 2021.