New West Coast Visions – Documentary launches in July for debut feature
Screenwest has expanded its successful West Coast Visions program to documentaries, announcing generous financial support of up to $500,000 to help build Western Australia’s standing as a leader in factual filmmaking.
The new ‘West Coast Visions – Documentary’ specifically targets WA filmmaking teams, led by a first-time director, to produce a debut feature documentary.
Up to $500,000 is available for one debut feature documentary project. The fund launches in July and closes early 2026. A project development round will also open in July for feature documentaries. West Coast Visions – Documentary is made possible thanks to Lotterywest support.
Screenwest Chief Executive Officer Rikki Lea Bestall said West Coast Visions – Documentary was a significant offering – designed to uncover, inspire and develop talented WA filmmaking teams.
“We are excited to extend West Coast Visions to a documentary format – a move that will help showcase the magnitude of talent we have in WA and provide documentary filmmakers extra support to take their storytelling to new heights,” Ms Bestall said.
“This grant funding will enable documentary filmmakers to take the next step in their careers.”
It builds on the success of West Coast Visions, Screenwest’s scripted feature film program, which has supported 12 WA-produced feature films since 2005, many of which have achieved global distribution, critical acclaim, and launched the careers of their filmmakers.
“Like scripted feature film, the feature documentary format has long served as a career springboard,” Ms Bestall said. “Documentary filmmakers leverage their first feature credits to gain industry recognition, secure broadcaster trust, and sustain long-term careers.
“West Coast Visions – Documentary will provide WA documentary filmmakers with a comparable pathway and help them secure their first major feature credit, break through career roadblocks and elevate the sector on a national and global stage.”
Applicants must present a well-developed and marketable feature documentary concept, a budget-conscious methodology, and a team capable of managing the project’s creative and logistical demands.
For eligibility guidelines and more information, visit the Special Initiatives page on the Screenwest website.