Sovereign Shorts

After generations of resistance and activism from First Peoples and nearly a decade walking the path to Treaty with our communities, Treaty for Victoria is finally here.

MIFF, National Indigenous Television (NITV) and VicScreen are seeking original and compelling short documentary proposals from Victorian-based First Peoples writers and directors that explore the theme of Treaty.

Up to four 15-minute films will be selected to go into production, with a budget of $40,000 per film and mentorship from an experienced Victorian documentary filmmaker. The films will premiere at a gala event at MIFF in August 2026, followed by broadcast on NITV and SBS On Demand.

Victorian-based First Peoples writers and directors of all levels and experience, are invited to submit a proposal to create authentic, emotionally resonant short films that explore Treaty not as an abstract idea, but as a lived experience.

Applications have now closed.

Who and what we are looking for

We’re looking for stories that sit with people, communities and moments – stories that reveal what Treaty means in practice: how it is felt, questioned, negotiated and imagined. This is an opportunity to move beyond headlines and policy debates to tell stories that capture the human stakes of Treaty.

We encourage creatives to explore themes such as:

Treaty as lived governance, not policy – what Treaty looks like in everyday life
how Treaty could change systems people interact with daily
youth voices shaping Treaty and imagining sovereignty
urban, regional and remote Treaty stories
the emotional truth of Treaty: hope, doubt, fatigue, responsibility
how Treaty protects living culture and cultural authority
justice beyond compensation – healing, accountability and repair on community terms
how Australians can begin to unlearn long-held myths.

These films should not be reportage or explanatory pieces. We want stories that go deeper, that are grounded in lived experience, place and perspective.

The content, tone and style of the short films are entirely up to the filmmaker. All interpretations of documentary – including hybrid, experimental, observational, personal or essayistic approaches – are welcome.

The selected projects will be bold; based on strong, authentic First Peoples talent and ideas; exhibit a high level of creative ambition; and also be able to be made in accordance with the allocated production budget of $40,000. Stories that incorporate First Nations languages are also encouraged.

Key Initiative Dates

Applications open: 14 January 2026
Information session (in-person/Zoom): 22 January 2026
Deadline for submissions: 8 February 2026
Assessment: 9–24 February 2026
Applicants notified: 25 February 2026
Successful applicants attend AIDC: 2–4 March 2026
Pitch Development Workshop (Melbourne): 10 March 2026
Delivery of revised creative materials: 24 March 2026
Project production: 30 March 2026 – 10 July 2026
Delivery to MIFF: 17 July 2026
MIFF Gala: August 2026
NITV Broadcast: not later than January 2027 (anticipated for November 2026).

Eligibility

Applicants must include a writer and director (or writer/director) who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians and who are Victorian-based (for at least the last six months prior to application).
Applicants are encouraged to apply with or without a Victorian producer, but must be prepared to attach one if they are selected (VicScreen will be able to assist with this process).
Applications are welcomed from Victorian First Peoples writers and directors of all experience levels. Applicants do not need to meet minimum credit requirements, but will need to demonstrate experience in storytelling through writing or directing in other creative fields (e.g. theatre).
Applicants must be 18+.

Application process and submission materials

To apply, applicants must:

complete and submit the Initiative application form
submit CVs of all key team members (writer, director, producer (as applicable)
submit a short film pitch document that contains:
- a 500-word summary outlining your passion for, reasons for wanting to be a part of and your commitment to the initiative
- a one-page statement of your film’s creative details including logline, short synopsis and why you think this idea would be of interest to an audience
- a creative treatment (approx. 2–3 pages) of the film concept reflecting how your film will play out on screen
- a short summary on participant access (whether secured or unsecured) and access to key filming locations
- a proposed production timeline
- proposed budget and production methodology.

Assessment

Submissions will be assessed on the strength of the idea in relation to the brief and the viability of the proposal to meet the budget and schedule.

Submissions will be assessed and selected by a panel comprised of majority–First Nations assessors including VicScreen, NITV and MIFF representatives. An additional external Victorian First Peoples assessor may be arranged by VicScreen if required. Applicants may be asked to attend a call with a panel member to provide more information about their application.

Availability

Participants must have capacity to produce and deliver the program according to the Initiative timeframe and be available to attend and participate in the Pitch Development Workshop.

Assessors will be considering the following assessment criteria

Story: the strength and distinctiveness of the narrative, with an emphasis on bold, innovative and fresh storytelling, as well as the execution and quality of the submitted materials
Talent: the ability of the team to develop the project and execute the vision presented
Viability: the viability of the proposed production methodology, budget and timeline.

Support available

VicScreen, NITV and MIFF will be hosting an online Information Session to speak further about the initiative and answer your questions at 11am Thursday 22 January.

Successful applicants living outside metropolitan Melbourne may be provided with financial support to assist with travel and accommodation to attend the development workshop.

Up to four films will be selected to go into production, with a budget of $40,000 per film and mentorship from an experienced Victorian documentary filmmaker.

Decision & Contracting

Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by Wednesday 25 February 2026.

Successful applicants will be required to enter into a Production Grant Agreement (PGA) with VicScreen; a Presale Licence Agreement with NITV, based on pre-agreed commissioning terms for this Initiative; and a Licence Agreement with MIFF outlining their requirements.