Australian & New Zealand documentary funding
Two strong public systems anchored by national screen agencies. Here’s how funding works down under.
In Australia, documentary funding centres on Screen Australia (the federal agency, with several documentary programs) plus state screen agencies and broadcasters. In New Zealand it centres on the New Zealand Film Commission and NZ On Air, plus broadcasters. Both require a national connection (citizen/resident creatives or a local company), and broadcaster involvement often strengthens an application.
Australia: Screen Australia and the states
Screen Australia is the federal anchor, running documentary funding across development and production through several programs for Australian content makers. On top sit state and territory screen agencies (each with its own funds and local-spend incentives), and public broadcasters. For an Australian doc, the realistic plan combines federal, state and broadcaster support.
The Documentary Funding Vault is every fund on this page and 150+ more — filterable by your region, stage and focus, with live deadlines and eligibility on each, verified against the funder’s official page. It’s one file that updates itself through 2026.
New Zealand: the Film Commission and NZ On Air
In New Zealand, the New Zealand Film Commission funds documentary development and production (with rolling and scheme-based options) for projects with NZ creative leadership, alongside NZ On Air for public-media content and broadcasters. The systems are smaller than Australia’s but accessible to NZ-connected filmmakers.
Eligibility: the national tie
Both systems require a national connection — typically that key creatives (writer, director, producer) are citizens or residents, or that the production company is local. International filmmakers usually access this money through co-production with an Australian or NZ producer. Indigenous and First Nations strands exist in both countries.
Finding what fits your film
Between national agencies, state/regional funds and broadcasters, filter to Australia or New Zealand (plus the globally-open funds you’re also eligible for) and your stage. The finder shows how many fit; the Vault gives the full filtered list with deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Screen Australia, the federal screen agency, is the principal documentary funder, running several development and production programs for Australian content makers. State screen agencies and broadcasters add to it.
Mainly through the New Zealand Film Commission (development and production funding for NZ-connected projects), NZ On Air for public-media content, and broadcasters — often in combination.