AIDC’s Indigenous Creators Program, supported by Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), is a dedicated strand of sessions designed by and for First Nations practitioners to come together, share ideas and elevate the craft and business of First Nations stories.
Launched in 2019, the Indigenous Creators program welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners as well as First Nations practitioners from across the globe to AIDC each year. The program is targeted at all experience levels across the documentary and factual sector and is designed to bring together creators working in all forms of nonfiction screen content.
The 2025 Indigenous Creators Program will include a yarning circle, welcome networking event and daily sessions around topics such as pitching, storytelling, funding, and distribution for Indigenous-led stories.
The program takes place alongside AIDC’s yearly conference program, giving First Nations practitioners access to AIDC’s full suite of offerings including industry sessions, marketplace activities and networking events.
AIDC First Nations Producers Laurrie Mansfield and Devina McPherson will lead the AIDC 2025 Indigenous Creators Program. You can read more about Laurrie and Devina in this announcement.
“IN TIMES OF UPHEAVAL, FIRST NATIONS PERSPECTIVES AND STORYTELLING REMIND US OF WHAT IS IMPORTANT AS WE LOOK TO BETTER OUR WORLD FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS, AND I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE THE CHANGEMAKING PROJECTS THAT ARISE AND DEVELOP OUT OF THE 2025 AIDC PROGRAM.”
– LAURRIE MANSFIELD
AIDC FIRST NATIONS PRODUCER
To open the 2025 Indigenous Creators Program, join all AIDC First Nations Practitioners – from Australia and across the globe – and hosts Kelrick Martin, Douglas Watkin and Devina McPherson, for a welcome yarning circle.
Indigenous Creators Program Welcome
Indigenous Creators Program participants are invited to join us at Koorie Heritage Trust for a meet and greet with First Nations practitioners attending AIDC in person in Naarm (Melbourne).
Future of First Nations Funding
An opportunity for Indigenous Creators Program participants to hear from broadcasters and funds seeking Indigenous-authored stories, including ABC Indigenous, NITV, CBC and Screen Australia.
Speakers: Nic Meloney, Angela Bates, Kelrick Martin, Cieron Cody
First Nations visionaries reveal their unique creative processes in the art of First Nations documentary storytelling and craft.
Speakers: Kimberley Benjamin, Karla Hart, Jazz Money, Julian Brave NoiseCat
Indigenous Creators Program participants are invite to join us for the debut Indigenous Creators Pitch. Four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators will pitch their projects in development to a closed room of local and international buyers looking to support Indigenous-led nonfiction stories.
To be eligible for the Indigenous Creators Program, simply register for an All Access Pass or Sessions Pass to attend AIDC 2025. Once registered, Indigenous practitioners will immediately be eligible to participate in all the program’s sessions.
To register for AIDC, visit our Passes page.
AIDC is working with Australian State and Territory screen agencies across the country to support Indigenous practitioners to attend AIDC. Information on how to apply for registration and travel support is outlined below.
AIDC is working with Australian State and Territory screen agencies across the country to support Indigenous practitioners to attend AIDC 2025.
For those applying from Victoria, please contact Kara Masters at kara.masters@vicscreen.vic.gov.au
For those applying from New South Wales, please contact Catherine Zealand at industry@screen.nsw.gov.au
For those applying from Queensland, please contact Christian Gesche at content@screenqld.com.au
For those applying from the Northern Territory, please contact Callam Yost at callam.yost@nt.gov.au
For those applying from Western Australia please contact Anastasia Lambetsos at anastasia.lambetsos@screenwest.com.au
For those applying from Tasmania, please contact Emma Moroney at emma.moroney@screen.tas.gov.au
