Streamer DocPlay launches pitch fund to support ANZ documentary releases

Madman Entertainment’s independent documentary streaming platform DocPlay has launched a A$20,000 (US$13,000) pitch to support the launch of two Australian- and/or New Zealand-created documentaries.

The new initiative, dubbed DocPlay Indie Booster, is part of the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC)’s 2026 Cut to the Chase programme, with applications closing at the end of January.

The Indie Booster was developed by DocPlay as part of its commitment to local doc filmmaking, with the cash prize, for publicity and advertising, designed to reach and increase audiences for the film’s theatrical rollout.

DocPlay documentary executive Rufus Richardson said: “With this new initiative, we want to help build, foster and maintain the documentary-loving community, whilst also championing bold, independent filmmakers with vibrant local stories and providing additional pathways to audiences to help maximise engagement.”

DocPlay is inviting pitches from producers with feature documentaries at late-production, post-production or completion stages. The projects submitted must be planning an independent release, with no distribution deals in Australia or New Zealand attached, and need to have SVoD rights available.

DocPlay said it is interested in working with producers whose films have a connection to specific communities or interest groups, and a considered pathway to reach those audiences.

“AIDC and DocPlay share an unwavering commitment to supporting documentary filmmakers by creating new opportunities that platform the craft of extraordinary nonfiction stories and storytellers,” said Natasha Gadd, AIDC’s CEO and creative director.

“The Docplay Indie Booster takes this a step further by giving independent filmmakers a vital cash contribution for their theatrical rollout. In times of increasing individual viewing habits, this is a great opportunity to drive collective viewing experiences in the cinema that can’t be matched on smaller screens.”