Sabah Pitching Training

The KKIFF is looking for 10 new film projects to be part of the Sabah Pitching Training 2026.

Date:

19 – 20 SEPTEMBER 2026

Training location:

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Application Closing date:

14 AUGUST 2026
Apply Now

What is it?

Sabah Pitching Training (SPT) is an opportunity for filmmakers from the ASEAN region, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong to prepare their pitch decks for new feature length film projects (40 mins plus), so that they are ready to pitch to producers, investors and studios.

Participants learn what a full pitch deck is, prepare their own and finally practise making a pitch to a jury. They are then ready to move to the next stage of pitching to producers, investors and studios.

Who is it for?

Producers/directors from ASEAN countries, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong who are getting ready to pitch their new film ideas.

Sabah Pitching Training – Programme Outline

1. What's needed in a pitch deck - at the Pitching Workshops on Saturday, 19 September, with your trainer – sharing your new film ideas.
2. Prepare your pitch deck - at the Pitching Tutorials – Saturday, 19 September and the morning of Sunday, 20 September – individual and small group sessions.
3. Present your pitch - to the Sabah Pitching Training Panel on Sunday afternoon, 20 September – 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, 20 September.

19 September (Sat)

9.00 am - 12 noon
1.00 pm - 4.00 pm
What's a pitch deck
Practise your pitch deck
Sharing new film ideas
Tutorials
Mark Overett
Head Trainer
Individual / small group

20 September (Sun)

9.00 am - 12 noon
1.00 pm - 5.00 pm
7.00 pm
Finalising your pitch deck
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 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 the shoot must be stipulated

Who is on the Sabah Pitching Training Panel?

Experienced film professionals

How to apply?

Make a submission using the KKIFF 2026 on-line application form.

Apply Now

Submissions close on 14 August 2026
Announcement of selected film projects – 21 August 2026

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

  1. The KKIFF will cover the cost of accommodation for 3 nights (18-20 September) 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