Leadership and Advocacy
We champion a bold, sustainable and thriving documentary community in Australia. Through leadership, advocacy, research, and collaboration with industry, we are working to ensure documentary storytelling is recognised, resourced, and valued as a vital part of our cultural and social fabric.
Strengthening Australia’s documentary sector
We listen to and represent the sector
We listen closely to the industry, and represent their needs where appropriate, bringing a clear, collective voice to the issues that matter most.
We share what works
We share best practice approaches, innovative models, and effective ways of working that can elevate the whole sector.
We collaborate and influence
We work alongside government, broadcasters, distributors and streamers to strengthen opportunity and visibility for documentary filmmakers.
We push for meaningful change
We advocate for policies, funding, and systems that allow documentary storytelling not just to survive but to thrive.
Current work
Documentary Australia’s National Cultural Policy Review submission
As the government develops the next National Cultural Policy, which will shape Australia’s screen sector for the next five years, it’s critical that the real experiences of the documentary community are heard and represented. Documentary Australia conducted a national survey of documentary practitioners to inform its submission.
AIDC 2026
Documentary Australia was involved in three sessions at AIDC 2026 – ‘The Funding Landscape: Festivals, Funds, Philanthropy’ with our CEO, Dr Mitzi Goldman, ‘State of Play: Sector Sustainability in 2026 and Beyond’ and ‘Intolerable Beauty: Innovating Climate Storytelling’, both moderated by our Impact Director, Stephanie King. Read Stephanie King’s full article, “Reflections on AIDC 2026: Hold True”, for further insights and takeaways from these sessions and more here.
Screenrights Research Project
“The Value of Documentary in Australian Educational Settings” pilot study is a collaborative research initiative between Screenrights and Documentary Australia. The study will trial evaluation methods, inform best practices for educators and filmmakers, support advocacy for wider access to documentary content, and explore the value of documentaries in Australian educational settings.
Sydney Film Festival Award for the Best Australian Documentary
The Documentary Australia Award for Best Australian Documentary at Sydney Film Festival recognises the incredible artistry and tenacity of independent filmmakers. This prestigious prize acknowledges excellence in Australian documentary production. 2026 marks our 13th year supporting the award. The winner is announced at the festival’s Closing Night, receiving a prize of $20,000 and becoming Academy Award eligible.
Read more about our 2025 finalists here and the interview with the 2025 winner, Songs Inside, here.
Past work
AIDC 2025
Documentary Australia was involved in multiple sessions and initiatives at AIDC in 2025, including ‘Accessing Philanthropic Funds Locally and Globally’, moderated by Documentary Australia CEO Mitzi Goldman and ‘DokPolitik: The State of Play for Policy and Advocacy’, moderated by Impact Director Stephanie King.
Advocating for streamer regulation in Australia (2024-2026)
Overturning proposed tax reforms to protect the sector (2021)
In 2021 Documentary Australia led a year-long campaign opposing the proposed tax reforms that would have decimated the documentary sector – and won. Our campaign focused on the unique cultural and historical value of documentary to our national narrative and the social value it brings.