Sunny Side of the Doc Returns in June After Near Shutdown

Sunny Side of the Doc, a key gathering for documentary makers from around the world, will return to La Rochelle, France, from June 22 to 24. Organizers announced the revival this week after a partnership with Documentary Campus stepped in to save the 37-year-old event, which faced cancellation last December due to lost European funding and internal challenges.

Background

Sunny Side of the Doc started in 1988 as a place where documentary producers, buyers, and filmmakers could meet, pitch ideas, and make deals. For decades, it drew over 2,000 people from more than 60 countries each June to La Rochelle, a coastal city known for its historic port and easy access. The event featured pitch sessions, panels on trends, and networking spots that led to many co-productions and sales.

Last year, news hit hard: organizers said they could no longer run the market. European funding had dried up, and the team faced too many hurdles to keep going. People in the industry worried about the gap it would leave. No other event quite matched its focus on live pitches to hundreds of decision-makers like TV commissioners and distributors.

Talks started quietly with Documentary Campus, a group that supports documentary talent through training and networks. They saw the value in keeping Sunny Side alive. After months of work, they agreed to partner up. This deal covers the logistics, funding gaps, and programming to get the market running again.

The event has always been at Espace Encan, right by the water. Attendees walk to the city center in minutes or take free boats and bikes with their badges. Past editions highlighted countries like Australia, with pavilions and sessions on local stories. It also pushed new tech, like immersive projects and XR content.

Key Details

The 2026 edition marks the 38th year. It runs over three days, shorter than some past versions but still packed. Expect seven pitch sessions on topics like science, nature, global issues, history, arts, and new voices for first-time makers. Projects must be in development, not finished films.

Around 42 projects from 21 countries competed in recent years, with winners getting cash prizes: 3,000 euros for main sessions and 2,000 for others. Juries of experts pick them after live pitches. Online options let people join from anywhere.

Pitching and Networking

Producers get mentoring, meet buyers, and talk co-productions. Over 300 decision-makers show up, plus 1,000 companies. There's a Sunny Innovation Lab for non-linear docs, and plans for special focuses, maybe on regions like Australia again with pavilions and First Nations pros.

Accreditation opens soon with early bird rates. A pre-event online day on June 3 helps newcomers prepare. The site stays the same, with taxis and transport perks.

"This partnership brings fresh energy to keep Sunny Side thriving for docs worldwide," said a Documentary Campus representative.

What This Means

The return eases worries for filmmakers who rely on these meetings to fund projects. Without Sunny Side, many deals might shift to online or smaller events, slowing international work. Now, producers can pitch face-to-face again, key for building trust.

Buyers get first looks at trends like climate stories or emerging voices. It boosts La Rochelle's economy too, with hotels and eateries filling up. For Documentary Campus, it expands their reach into market operations.

Newcomers benefit most: sessions for first-timers open doors. Innovation pushes keep the event modern, covering VR and interactive formats. Sponsors step up for prizes, showing faith.

The doc world grows fast, with streaming demand high. Sunny Side fills a spot others don't, focusing on unscripted content from everywhere. Past winners went on to festivals and big platforms.

Expect 2,000-plus attendees again. Calls for projects start soon, with deadlines in spring. Organizers plan Australia spotlight repeats and more immersive works. Five teams got special support last time for innovation projects.

This turnaround shows how partnerships can save traditions. The industry moves on, ready for pitches and handshakes by the sea.