AIDC Reveals 2026 Award Nominees, its first Dual Southern Light Winners, and Screening Program – In the lead-up to the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) 2026, taking place 2–5 March at ACMI, Melbourne / Naarm, AIDC is proud and thrilled to reveal the nominees for the 6th Annual AIDC Awards – Australia’s only dedicated awards for documentary and factual storytelling.
The conference also celebrates the announcement of its first-ever dual recipients of the 2026 AIDC Southern Light Award, recognising outstanding contributions to nonfiction screen, digital, and audio media.
Together with ACMI, AIDC is also pleased to announce the line-up for this year’s Documented public screening program. Complementing the AIDC 2026 program, this tightly curated selection of documentaries from around the world gives conference attendees and the wider public the opportunity to celebrate the power of non-fiction storytelling on the big screen, featuring some of the year’s most acclaimed documentary titles.
2026 AIDC AWARDS
Recognising excellence in new Australian documentary and factual content, the AIDC Awards return for is sixth year, supporting local documentary making across six categories: Best Feature Documentary, with a $5,000 cash prize presented by Film Finances; Best Documentary / Factual Series; Best Documentary / Factual Single; Best Audio Documentary; Best Short-Form Documentary, with a $2,000 cash prize presented by AFTRS; and Best Interactive/Immersive Documentary.
The 2026 AIDC Awards presentation will take place on the final day of AIDC 2026 at ACMI, hosted by Whadjuk Noongar journalist, presenter and author Narelda Jacobs OAM, whose career spans a quarter of a century with Network 10, and includes appearances on NITV and SBS, the ABC, podcasts, documentaries and Australian dramas.
AIDC CEO / Creative Director, Natasha Gadd, said,
“AIDC is delighted to pay tribute to the extraordinary talent of the doc and factual creators and projects nominated for our sixth edition of the AIDC Awards. The incredible quality of submissions across all categories made for considered and extensive discussions to select the 26 nominated projects – which reflect an impressive breadth of styles and stories. Congratulations to all the nominees and thank you to the AIDC 2026 pre-selection committees and juries for their time, expertise and thoughtful deliberations.”
Dan Read, CEO of Film Finances, said,
“AIDC remains an incredibly important platform for celebrating outstanding storytelling, and we’re delighted to be part of it. Documentary filmmaking reminds us of the importance of holding true to what matters – authenticity, integrity, and the human stories that connect us all. We’re really excited to once again sponsor the Best Feature Documentary award at the 2026 AIDC Awards.”
Robbie Miles, AFTRS Head of Industry & Alumni Engagement, said,
“AFTRS is proud to once again support the Best Short‑Form Documentary Prize at AIDC, an award that helps elevate emerging practitioners in this highly impactful and accessible format. This year’s nominees reflect the strength, diversity and innovation of Australia’s non-fiction storytellers, and we are pleased to stand alongside AIDC in recognising and nurturing talent in this vital sector of the documentary ecosystem.”
The shortlisted titles represent the broad spectrum of Australia’s documentary storytelling, spanning culturally significant stories to powerful portraits of people and places shaping our world.
2026 AIDC SOUTHERN LIGHT AWARD
Complementing the category awards, and presented for the third time, the AIDC Southern Light Award awards a $5,000 cash prize presented by AIDC to an Australian industry professional for their outstanding contribution to nonfiction screen, digital and/or audio media. In a first for the award, two winners have been selected for their excellence. Thanks to a donation by an anonymous AIDC Board member, the winners will each receive a $5,000 cash prize and be invited to speak at the AIDC Awards Presentation on Thursday 5 March 2026.
The 2026 Southern Light Award winners are: Karla Hart, one of Australia’s most influential First Nations screen practitioners — a Noongar filmmaker, producer, and cultural leader whose work has reshaped nonfiction and narrative storytelling on national platforms; and Simon Nasht, a passionate advocate for documentary storytelling, with a career spanning the globe and encompassing hundreds of hours of nonfiction filmmaking.
AIDC CEO / Creative Director, Natasha Gadd, said,
“A huge round of applause for both of our 2026 Southern Light Award winners, Karla Hart and Simon Nasht, who individually exemplify the scope of what is meant by ‘outstanding contribution’ to the industry and the form. Their dedication and commitment to our sector and our stories, and their advocacy and bravery in staying true to themselves and their craft is to be commended, honoured and celebrated ”
Karla Hart said,
“Thank you to AIDC for this extraordinary honour. I’m deeply humbled to receive an award that recognises contribution to nonfiction storytelling — a form that is a powerful platform for making incredible change, and one I feel privileged to work within. I acknowledge the storytellers, broadcasters, communities and Elders who have trusted me with their stories, and the incredible production teams who help bring them to the screen. This work is never done alone. As a Noongar woman working in this space, I carry responsibility as much as opportunity — to tell stories with care, joy, integrity and courage, and to help build pathways for the next generation of First Nations filmmakers. Thank you for recognising the impact of this work — and for backing stories that truly matter.”
Simon Nasht said,
“What an honour to receive this recognition from AIDC. Thank you to the many wonderful, passionate people I have worked with over the years who have contributed to my success. We are all a little crazy to pursue this calling, but also brave. Our role as documentary filmmakers has always been important, but perhaps never more so than now. Everywhere we turn, truth is under attack, and the biggest threat of all, a technology that outsources humans from the driver’s seat, is about to reinvent the very notion of reality. We have a job ahead of us to try and make sense of all of this, so stay brave.”
The 2026 AIDC Awards Presentation will be held at ACMI in Melbourne / Naarm on Thursday 5 March 2026.
DOCUMENTED 2026
Taking place alongside this year’s AIDC program, the annual Documented screening program returns with a tightly curated selection of documentaries from around the world, available to the public. Happening during AIDC 2026, from 2–5 March, screenings will be held at ACMI Cinemas in Fed Square, Melbourne / Naarm.
Informed by the AIDC 2026 theme, Hold True, this year’s Documented public screening program will deliver a timely line-up of documentary films, including:
- The Australian premiere of the irreverent Deepfaking Sam Altman, directed by AIDC 2026 Spotlight speaker Adam Bhala Lough.
- The gripping, Oscar®-shortlisted 2000 Metres to Andriivka by previous AIDC 2024 guest headline speaker Mstyslav Chernov (20 Days in Mariupol).
- A special screening of 2026 Oscar®-nominee Cutting Through Rocks; and
- A free screening of short documentaries from PBS documentary platform POV (Executive Producer Erika Dilday is an AIDC 2026 guest)
Natasha Gadd, AIDC CEO / Creative Director, said,
“As part of our ongoing partnership with ACMI, we are excited to present another selection of spectacular documentaries inspired by the AIDC 2026 conference program and our theme, Hold True. This year’s Documented screening program features four unmissable screenings, including acclaimed films like 2000 Meters to Andriivka and Cutting Through Rocks that haven’t yet had Australian theatrical runs. Not to mention the Australian premiere of the timely and deeply irreverent Deepfaking Sam Altman, and compelling shorts from the always incredible POV. Congratulations to AIDC Programming Manager Alice McShane for putting together this year’s screening program alongside the AIDC 2026 conference sessions.”
Screening sessions are open to the public and tickets can be purchased online via the ACMI website or in person from the ACMI ticket desk. Please note that while the session of short films presented by POV is free, all attendees will require a ticket to be admitted. For full session details and links to ticketing, please visit AIDC SCREENINGS.For details about all AIDC programs and to book 2026 passes, visit www.aidc.com.au.
AIDC 2026: Hold True takes place 2-5 March in-person at ACMI, Melbourne / Naarm, with an online international marketplace happening 11-12 March
2026 AWARD NOMINEES:
BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
The Colleano Heart
2025 | WildBear Entertainment | Director/Writer: Pauline Clague | Co-Writer: Ljudan Michaelis-Thorpe | Producer: Kate Pappas | Executive Producer: Bettina Dalton
Deeper
2025 | Stranger Than Fiction | Director: Jennifer Peedom | Producers: Blayke Hoffman, Jennifer Peedom, Paul Ryan
The Golden Spurtle
2025 | Hytra Films, Hopscotch Films | Director: Constantine Costi | Producers: Rebecca Lamond, John Archer
Iron Winter
2025/2026 | Repeater Productions | Director: Kasimir Burgess | Producers: Ben Golotta, Morgan Wright, Chris Kamen
Yurlu | Country
2025 | Illuminate Films | Director: Yaara Bou Melhem | Producer: Yaara Bou Melhem | Executive Producers: Maitland Parker & Chris Kamen | Co-Producers: Tom Bannigan & James Saunders
BEST DOCUMENTARY / FACTUAL SERIES
Annabel Crabb’s Civic Duty
2025 | Australian Broadcasting Corporation | Director: Stamatia Maroupas | Producers: Jo Chichester (Executive Producer), Madeleine Hawcroft (Series Producer), Tania Doumit (Producer)
The Kimberley
2025 | Wild Pacific Media | Director: Nick Robinson | Producers: Electra Manikakis, Nick Robinson, Peta Ayers, Mark Coles Smith
The People Vs Robodebt
2026 | CJZ | Director: Ben Lawrence | Producers: Michael Cordell, Paula Bycroft, Andrew Farrell
Revealed: Death Cap Murders
2025 | Dreamchaser, Den of Martians, FIFTH SEASON | Producers: Gil Marsden, Monique Keller, Carl Fennessy, Billy Russell, Mary Lisio, Elissa Johnson, Ariel Richter
When The War Is Over
2025 | Mint Pictures in association with Magdalene Media | Director: Sophie Meyrick | Producers: Dan Goldberg, Rachel Griffiths, Craig Graham, Ili Bare
BEST DOCUMENTARY/FACTUAL SINGLE
Emily: I Am Kam
2025 | Tamarind Tree Pictures Pty Ltd | Director: Danielle MacLean | Producers: Anna Grieve, Danielle MacLean
Island of the Dead
2025 | Ad Hoc Docs, Australian Broadcasting Corporation | Director: Daniel Clarke | Producer: Daniel Clarke
Killer Whale: Australia’s Megapod
2025 | Australian Broadcasting Corporation | Director: Jeff Siberry | Producers: Elle Gibbons, Penny Palmer
PNG: Road to Independence
2025 | WildBear Entertainment, Australian Broadcasting Corporation | Director: Max Uechtritz | Producer: Alan Erson
The War Below: Restoring Hope in the Solomon Islands
2026 | Nine Islands Media, Solomon Islands Local Media Agency | Director: Tuki Laumea | Producers: Tuki Laumea, Cleo Fraser, Elizabeth Osifelo
BEST SHORT-FORM DOCUMENTARY
Aṉangu Way
2025 | Goguljar Yok | Directors: Tace Stevens in collaboration with Lydon Stevens | Producer: Brooke Collard
Bringing His Spirit Home
2025 | Australian Film Television & Radio School | Director: Dylan Nicholls | Producers: Dylan Nicholls, Sophia Carolyn Wallace
In the Depths of Her Memory
2025 | Bleu Electrik, Playlab Films | Director: Chloe de Brito | Producers: Estephania Bonnett, Chloe de Brito
Wieambilla Reconstructed
2025 | Guardian Australia | Producer: Lisa Favazzo | Reporter: Andrew Messenger | Sound Designer: Miles Martignoni | Executive Producers: Molly Glassey, Shelley Hepworth
BEST AUDIO DOCUMENTARY
Broken Trust
2025 | Guardian Australia | Producer: Miles Herbert | Reporter: Ben Smee | Sound Designers: Joe Koning, Camilla Hannan | Executive Producers: Hannah Parkes, Shelley Hepworth | Investigations Editor: Marni Cordell
Fallout: Spies on Norfolk Island
2025 | SBS Audio | Producers: Richard Baker, Liz Burnett, Joel Supple, Max Gosford
Skase: Fall of a Tycoon
2025 | ABC Radio National | Directors: Michelle Rayner, Claudia Taranto | Producers: Claudia Taranto, Kirsti Melville, Jake Morcom, Sarah Allely, Emrys Cronin
Toy Soldier
2025 | CBC in association with Mint Pictures | Directors: Dan Goldberg | Producers: Greg Crittenden & Ilina Ghosh
BEST INTERACTIVE / IMMERSIVE DOCUMENTARY
The Great Kimberley Wilderness
2024 | White Spark Pictures | Director: Briege Whitehead | Producers: Jodie Bell, Benn Ellard, Ella Wright
We Were Children Once
2025 | Soul Vision Films, Disruptor Studios | Director: Peter Hegedus | Producers: Bobbi-Lea Dionysius, Peter Hegedus
The World Came Flooding In Year: 2025 | Film Camp | Directors: Isobel Knowles, Van Sowerwine | Producers: Philippa Campey, Isobel Knowles, Van Sowerwine
DOCUMENTED SCREENING PROGRAM:
For full screening program details please visit AIDC SCREENINGS.
Deepfaking Sam Altman
Adam Bhala Lough | USA | 2025 | Unclassified 18+
6.45pm, Tuesday 3 March
ACMI Cinema 2
Cutting Through Rocks
Sara Khaki & Mohammadreza Eyni | Iran | 2025 | Unclassified 18+
6.30pm, Wednesday 4 March
ACMI Cinema 2
HOLD TRUE: SHORT FILMS CURATED BY POV
A selection of award-winning short documentaries by independent filmmakers, curated by POV for ACMI and AIDC. These films traverse documentary form and topic, offering perspectives that animate, document, capture and illuminate their participants.
3.45pm, Wednesday 4 March
ACMI Cinema 2
Films include:
- Tessitura
Brit Fryer, Lydia Cornett | 2025 | U.S.A. | 18 min - Your Opinion Please
Marshall Granger | 2025 | U.S.A. | 14 min - My Dudus
Tom Krawczyk | 2022 | U.S.A. | 8 min - Classroom 4
Eden Wurmfeld | 2025 U.S.A. | 24 min
2000 Meters to Andriivka
Mstyslav Chernov | Ukraine, USA | 2025 | Unclassified 18+ 7.00pm, Thursday 5 March
ACMI Cinema 1
Media Release – AIDC
Link to AIDC HERE
TV Central Other content HERE
AIDC Reveals 2026 Award Nominees, its first Dual Southern Light Winners, and Screening Program
