$6.6M Raised at 2016 Good Pitch Australia

A record $6.6 million in philanthropic funds were committed to six Australian documentary films and their social impact campaigns at the third and final Good Pitch Australia event in Sydney.

Since 2014, more than $14 million has been raised in philanthropic grants for the funding of 19 social impact documentaries and their impact campaigns.

Executive director of Good Pitch Australia Malinda Wink said the scale of Good Pitch’s ambition had been matched by the heart and generosity of its supporters.

“This is an immense privilege and I am grateful for those who have embraced the opportunity to do things differently, work collaboratively and put storytelling at the centre,” Wink said.

The six films presented at Good Pitch Australia 2016 were 2040, (environment, sustainability and innovation), Ghosthunter (adult survivors of childhood trauma), Dying To Live (organ and tissue donation), Kids (Indigenous education and culture), Beautiful Minds (women in science and STEM) and Guilty (ending the death penalty).

3 years, 19 documentaries, 300+ coalitions, priceless pro bono support and $14m raised. The power of a community! pic.twitter.com/szLD6hsN36

— Good Pitch Australia (@goodpitchAUS) November 8, 2016

Wink said previous Good Pitch Australia films included some of the country’s most successful documentaries in terms of both impact and audience.

The 2014 and 2015 films include: That Sugar Film, Gayby Baby, Call Me Dad, The Opposition, Frackman, Zach’s Ceremony, Constance on the Edge, Blue, The Hunting Ground Australia Project, Happy Sad Man, On Richard’s Side, Prison Songs and Whiteley.

“While [Tuesday’s] event was the final Good Pitch Australia, we will receive $2 million from the Shark Island Institute to fund the operations of Good Pitch Australia over the next five years,” Wink said.

“The $2 million commitment from the Shark Island Institute will enable Good Pitch Australia to provide ongoing management support to all 19 Good Pitch Australia documentaries in the portfolio.

“In addition, this financial support will fund an annual series of Good Pitch Impact Labs at the Shark Island Institute, for 20 selected filmmakers (both established and emerging) over the next five years.”

Good Pitch in Australia was hosted by Shark Island Institute with its founder Ian Darling and Documentary Australia Foundation. The event was established by the BRITDOC Foundation and the Sundance Institute in 2008.

As chair of Good Pitch Australia, Darling said the thinking behind bringing Good Pitch to Australia came from his personal ambitions for the documentary and social impact sector.

“It’s been a great pleasure seeing philanthropists, filmmakers, NGOs and community partners exceed the individual expectations of all of us involved in this thrilling venture. I’d like to thank our wonderful partners, here and internationally, whose contributions are immeasurable,” Darling said.

Pro Bono Australia is a community partner of Good Pitch Australia.