Australian pubcaster SBS is searching for single documentaries for the fifth season of its ‘Untold Australia’ strand.

The broadcaster has opened a call for pitches of one-hour observational documentaries for the strand, which looks to unearth some of the most underreported stories that celebrate the diverse and multicultural communities in Australia.

Filmmakers are asked to submit a variety of untold, contemporary character-driven ideas and tones that explore Australia’s cultural diversity. Pitches must include a three to five page proposal for an original hour-long doc in addition to a two to five minute teaser character reel.

Applications are restricted to Australian production companies. Applicants are required to submit their proposals with ‘Untold Australia Submission’ in the subject line to factual@sbs.com.au  by Jan. 7, 2019.

Selected applicants will then be involved in a live pitching session at the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC), running March 3-6, 2019 in Melbourne. SBS will then select four successful projects to provide with a share of AU$60,000 (US$44,000) in development funding.

‘Untold Australia’s four-part fifth season will debut across SBS in 2019.

“SBS is known for commissioning bold and fascinating documentaries and the aim of ‘Untold Australia’ is to shine a light on some of the people we don’t get to see on our screens so often and hear their amazing stories,” said Joseph Maxwell, SBS head of documentaries, in a statement.

“Not only are AIDC and SBS committed to the sustainability of Australian content, but we are both passionate about ensuring the continuing visibility of diverse voices that define multicultural Australia,” added Alice Burgin, AIDC CEO and conference director. “We hope that through this opportunity, AIDC and SBS will be able to provide even greater visibility for these important works, while giving all our delegates a look at the mysterious world of commissioning”