Regional Landscapes Returns for 2025

AACTA Pitch: Regional Landscapes Returns for 2025 

Entries are now open for AACTA Pitch: Regional Landscapes in partnership with Screenworks.

As part of the 2025 AACTA Festival program, AACTA and Screenworks presented a live reading of 2024 recipient Over Her Dead Body featuring a special cast of familiar faces. The event announced the return of AACTA Pitch: Regional Landscapes—an initiative dedicated to celebrating stories and storytellers from, and inspired by, Australia’s stunning regional areas. This unique program showcases the diversity of perspectives and talent from regional communities while providing opportunities for filmmakers to connect with industry professionals and advance their feature film scripts.

2024 recipients, OVER HER DEAD BODY by Jacqueline Chii Chien Lim, Tamara Whyte & Daniel Stevenson follows Marilyn Fong, who is tasked with bringing her mum’s body home to the outback for her funeral, two unexpected tagalongs—her hyper-critical aunt and irresponsible brother—derail her plans and drag her on the worst road trip of her life. OVER HER DEAD BODY is a road trip comedy about death and family.

Applicants for 2025 are asked to submit an original film concept that features regional Australia as a central character and setting to the narrative. Selected finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their projects to a panel of industry judges, with the recipient to receive development funding and support to refine their script and take their concept to market. Teams can consist of up to three creatives, with at least one based in regional Australia.

The recipient of the 2025 AACTA Pitch: Regional Landscapes in partnership with Screenworks initiative will be provided:

• Support to develop their screenplay and industry pitch.
• $5,000 in prize money, consisting of a $1,000 cash prize and $4,000 towards development.
• Supported live script read at the AACTA Festival in February 2026.
• Industry connection opportunities through the Australian Writers’ Guild Pathways program.
• Professional script development sessions.
• Invaluable feedback and ongoing guidance from the esteemed judging panel.
• AACTA, Screenworks and Australian Writers’ Guild annual memberships.
• Two tickets to Screenworks Regional to Global Screen Forum.
• Exclusive one-on-one meetings with up to 2 industry professionals at Screenworks Regional to Global Screen Forum.
• Two tickets to the 2026 AACTA Awards Ceremony including discounted accommodation package.

For more information about AACTA Pitch: Regional Landscapes, including submission guidelines and key dates, click here.