Sabah Pitching Training

The KKIFF is looking for 10 documentary film projects to be part of the Sabah Pitching Training 2025. New narrative film projects are also invited to apply!

Date:

9 – 10 AUGUST 2025

Training location:

Ibis Styles Hotel Kota kinabalu

Application Closing date:

30 JUNE 2025
Apply Now

What is it?

Sabah Pitching Training is a platform for filmmakers from the ASEAN region, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong to launch new feature-length documentary film projects (40 mins plus).

Participants learn how to pitch and then make a pitch to a jury in order to get funding to move on to the next stage in the making of their film.

Who is it for?

Producers/directors from ASEAN countries, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Participants can pitch directly to potential financiers from the region, raise the visibility and market viability of their projects, look for co-producers, financiers, buyers. 

Sabah Pitching Training – Programme Outline

1. Prepare your pitch - at the Pitching Workshops on Saturday, 9 August, with your trainer – receive systematic pitching training.
2. Practise your pitch - at the Pitching Tutorials – Saturday, 9 August and the morning of Sunday, 10 August – individual and small group sessions.
3. Present your pitch - to the Sabah Pitching Training Panel on Sunday afternoon, 10 August – structured as 5-7 minutes of pitching, followed by 8 minutes of comments, questions and discussion with the jury.
4. Presentation of awards - at Awards Night, Sunday, 10 August.

9 August (Sat)

9.00 am - 12 noon
1.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Prepare your pitch
Practise your pitch
Workshops – hands-on training
Tutorials – Personal coaching
Mark Overett
Head Trainer
Individual / small group

10 August (Sun)

9.00 am - 12 noon
1.00 pm - 5.00 pm
7.00 pm
Practise your pitch
Present your pitch
Presentation of awards
Tutorials
Pitching
Awards Night
Individual / small group
Sabah Pitching Training Panel

Please note: observers are welcome

Mark Overett, Head Trainer

Mark is an Australian-based award-winning writer and producer. He currently heads the Film & TV department in JMC Academy, Brisbane. Throughout the course of his career, Mark has written and produced several documentaries and factual series in Australia and New Zealand. One notable success of his is co-creating “In the Dark with Julian Clary” TV format which was produced in 20+ countries – the most successful comedy game show of its time.

What to pitch?

  • A new documentary film project – feature-length (40 minutes plus)
  • The projects must respond to the following criteria:
    • The director must have already made one or more short films
    • The script of the project must be completed
    • There must be a complete budget break-down for the project
    • The date of shoot must be stipulated

Who is on the Sabah Pitching Training Panel?

Commissioned editors, broadcasters, distributors

How to apply?

Make a submission using the KKIFF 2025 on-line application form.

Apply Now

Submissions close on 30 June 2025

Incentives to join the Sabah Pitching Training in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

  1. The KKIFF will cover the cost of accommodation for 3 nights (8-10 August) in Kota Kinabalu for 1 or 2 people (sharing) on each film project being pitched at the Sabah Pitching Training – for those who come from outside Kota Kinabalu.
  2. The KKIFF will make a contribution of RM500 towards airfares or the cost of the airfare (whichever is cheaper) for each project selected for the Sabah Pitching Training – for those flying into Kota Kinabalu. There is one payment of RM500 per project.

If you have any questions:
Contact: Jude – +60 14 3514298 or Tommy – +60 13 5417796
or email us: info@kkiff.com