Emmy award-winning documentarians set for Sunshine Coast event

Leading the program are Emmy and Sundance Award-winning US documentarians Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine, the duo behind the 2024 Sundance smash Girls State.

The full program and speaker line-up has been revealed for the first Regionality Sunshine Coast documentary and factual industry event, taking place at Maroochy RSL on Friday 26 July.

The packed one-day program provides exclusive insights into crafting award-winning character docs, the elusive art of pitching, factual formats and new discoveries, First Nations storytelling and engaging audiences with impact.

It also includes opportunities for sector networking and curated 1:1 meetings with participating industry representatives – all designed with the needs of Queensland-based documentary and factual practitioners in mind.

Leading the program are Emmy and Sundance Award-winning US documentarians Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine, the creative duo behind Boys State (Apple TV+), The Mission (Nat Geo), Mayor Pete (Amazon Prime Video), The Overnighters (Netflix) and the 2024 Sundance smash Girls State (Apple TV+).

Heralded for their character-driven, provocative, and timely documentaries, Moss and McBaine will share insights into their creative practice, playing with form and how to balance independent artistic endeavours with commercial realities to turn their documentaries into major international hits.

Screen Queensland chief executive officer (CEO) Jacqui Feeney said Screen Queensland is pleased to partner with AIDC on Regionality Sunshine Coast.

“We are delighted to bring this invaluable event back for another year, this time to the Sunshine Coast,” she said.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for the documentary industry to gather, learn and upskill to ensure Australia continues to make impactful real stories where truth is powerful or even stranger than fiction.

“It’s also a chance to showcase Queensland’s accomplished and flourishing documentary and factual creators, alongside national and international industry leaders.”

AIDC CEO/ creative director Natasha Gadd said, “AIDC is thrilled to present our 2024 Regionality program, featuring an impressive line-up of speakers and sessions bringing a taste of AIDC to South East Queensland.”

“Honouring the eternal curiosity of nonfiction creators, this year’s program journeys into the inner lives of larger than life characters, explorations of outer space and underwater worlds and the legacies of First Nations trailblazers.

“Celebrating both regional storytelling and global industry trends, the program will also shine a spotlight on the incredible talent of Queensland doc and factual creators.

“We are grateful for the support of Screen Queensland and collaborative partners Sunshine Coast Council and the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective.”

Tickets for Regionality Sunshine Coast are on sale now through AIDC, priced at $90 inc GST, or $80 inc GST for AIDC, Sunshine Coast Screen Collective and Screenworks members, and $70 inc GST for full time students and concession card holders, and provide access to all sessions, Doc Chat sign-ups and networking drinks.

Regionality Sunshine Coast takes place Friday 26 July 2024 at the Maroochy RSL, Maroochydore, Queensland. Visit aidc.com.au for more information.