Australian International Documentary Conference
The Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) was established in Adelaide in 1987, with the first conference being held in the Clare Valley, north of Adelaide. It was held biennially from 1987 (with a gap in 1989), but became an annual event in 2003. It is described as being 'run by the industry for the industry'.[1] It functions as both a conference and marketplace, that is, it aims to support both the creative and commercial needs of the industry.[2]
Outline
The conference rotates around different regions of Australia, mostly being held in capital cities. It has grown from being a small conference, with a few international guests, to being a major event on the international calendar for documentary film and television and, as technology has changed, for the newer digital and interactive formats.[3] The Australian Government Culture and Recreation Portal describes it as follows: "It provides a market place for documentary product for national and international buyers and distributors, showcases the work of Australian and international documentary makers, and creates a forum to discuss content, craft, technology and future directions.[4]
Its program regularly includes screenings, masterclasses, and discussion panels, as well as competitions. It encourages and attracts a diverse national and international audience, drawn from filmmakers, academics and archivists, administrators and bureaucrats, commissioning editors, broadcasters, and distributors and exhibitors. Conferences in the 2000s attracted 500-800 delegates.
What's in a name
The name of the conference has changed over the years of its existence. The first conference was called the Australian National Documentary Conference.[1] The fourth conference, held in Melbourne in 1995, was advertised as the International Documentary Conference and Film Festival,[5] but the name Australian International Documentary Film Conference was confirmed at that conference.[6]
The current Conference Director is Joost den Hartog. The conference will take place in Adelaide, SA from 24–26 February 2010.
The Stanley Hawes Award
The annual Film Australia Stanley Hawes Award for contribution to the documentary in Australia is announced at the AIDC.
Further reading
- Campey, Philippa (2003) The 2003 Australian International Documentary Conference: A Report Accessed: 2008-01-19
- Sunderland, Kerry (2003) The 2003 Australian International Documentary Conference: A Report Accessed: 2008-01-19