Sunny Side of the Doc 2025: a shifting edition charting new routes to storytelling

Over four days, the market gathered 2100 participants from 60 countries, over 1000 companies, 85 exhibitors, and 260 international decision-makers including major broadcasters, streamers, foundations, distributors, financiers, and museums from around the world. This year’s edition saw a strong international presence, with 32 notable delegations from Africa, China, Brazil, Canada, and Spain. Archives companies were also in the spotlight, with a significant number of archival content exhibitors actively engaging in market discussions and activities. 

This year also saw a significant increase in broadcaster engagement, with a strengthened presence from key players such as the BBC, Channel 4, Mediaset, National Geographic, TG4 (Ireland), and RTP (Portugal), as well as long-standing North American partner PBS. Notably, buyers from India (IN10 Media) and Brazil (Globoplay) joined the event for the first time, further expanding the market’s international reach.

Aurélie Reman, Managing Director, Sunny Side of the Doc, says: "This 2025 edition exceeded all expectations. Guided by our new advisory board, we delivered a forward-thinking programme that mirrors our industry's pivots and the funding challenges we all face. We moved beyond traditional networking to create a platform for reimagining cross-border storytelling and collaboration. In today's shifting media landscape, our documentary community's passion, activism and agility drive everything we do and elevate the Sunny Side of the Doc's international impact. I remain committed to amplifying their authentic voices and fostering new pathways for documentary success across all markets. More than ever, every kind of support is vital to keeping our industry resilient and ambitious." 

This year’s edition also brought focus to Brazil, in the context of the France–Brazil Season 2025, celebrating 200 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This growing engagement with Brazil was clearly illustrated over the last four days with the launch of the third call for projects of Global Doc, marked by the arrival of a new partner: TV Brasil – Empresa Brasil de Comunicação. Launched at Sunny Side of the Doc in 2019, this network was established to unite public broadcasters from around the world behind ambitious, collaborative documentary initiatives. Its existing members include France Télévisions, ZDF, NHK, PBS, CBC, SVT, Channel 4, RAI, ORF, and ABC Australia, and now, with the addition of TV Brasil, the initiative extends its reach into Latin America, reinforcing a shared commitment to international cooperation in public media. 

Caroline Behar, Deputy Director of International Co-Productions and Documentary Acquisitions, France Télévisions, and Member of EBU, comments: “Sunny Side of the Doc offers a unique place for reflection, collaboration and trust. It is the key event for international co-productions. Our international partners are always pleased to come together in La Rochelle, a one-of-a-kind market that combines warm encounters with true ambition for the projects being presented. In today’s climate, the Global Doc alliance - which brings together 11 public broadcasters - is more relevant than ever: it enables creative and financial forces to unite and bring ambitious works to life. Sunny Side supports and amplifies this collective momentum, in service of all projects.” 

For the first time, the market was articulated around two thematic submits: the Innovation Summit and the Archives Summit, each offering dedicated sessions and showcases that reflected the evolving practices and ambitions of the documentary industry.  

The programme gave pride of place to creative disruption and new formats, with highlights including three standout keynotes from leading figures: Dawn Porter (Director at Trilogy Films), David Defendi (President, Genaro Studio, and Antonia Pellegrino (Content and Programming Director, Empresa Brasil de Comunicação). 

Another key moment of this edition was the session The Big Pivot: Digital-First Documentaries, which explored the rise of the “digital first” model as YouTube cements its place as a major platform for documentaries. In a context of increasing pressure on commissioning budgets, speakers discussed the opportunities and limitations of this model within an industry undergoing rapid transformation. Moderated by Damon Wise (Deadline), the session featured insights from Alex Hryniewicz (Little Dot Studios) and Bryony Hopkins (Strong Watch Studios). 

Programming also featured rich opportunities for industry connections and insights. The new initiative Meet the Buyers & Commissioners sessions offered privileged access to top international executives from broadcasters including Channel 4, National Geographic, BBC, and Globoplay. The presentation of French and international editorial strategies brought together major players such as France Télévisions, ARTE, TF1, Canal+, RMC Découverte, RMC Story, M6, and NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster. These sessions also featured the launch of NOVO19, a brand-new French channel. 

The seven pitch sessions, always highly anticipated and a true opportunity for international co-production, gathered a large number of professionals impressed by the quality and boldness of this year's projects. Find the complete list of the 2025 Pitch Sessions winners below. 

New Routes Continue in 2026 

Building on the success of this year’s edition, 2026 will see the continuation of this shifting edition with the second edition of the LatAm Content Meeting (13 to 15 April). The event is sponsored by Spcine and the São Paulo City Hall, through the Municipal Secretariat of Culture and Creative Economy, the Municipal Secretariat of Economic Development and Labor. 

This initiative reaffirms Sunny Side’s commitment to creating meaningful, long-term bridges between Europe and new territories. Strengthening the links between producers and decision-makers across these regions will remain a central objective, with a strong focus on amplifying emerging voices and nurturing bold, cross-cultural storytelling that reflects today’s global realities. 

Aurélie Reman, says: "The collaboration between Sunny Side of the Doc and LatAm Content Meeting,  represents a new model for international cooperation. Our pitch sessions have consistently fostered genuine partnerships across continents. For the 2026 in São Paulo, our ambition is clear: to move beyond traditional co-production models and create equitable collaborations rooted in mutual respect and creative exchange. With Europe as a key hub for funding and distribution, and Brazil's institutional commitment through SPCine, we're co-building a platform where Latin American voices don't just participate – they are an integral part of the future of documentary storytelling. We would be delighted to welcome even more of them to Sunny Side of the Doc 2026." 

The Sunny Academy stands at the center of this strategic dynamic, establishing itself as an effective tool for skills development and mentorship focused on international market access and navigation. With its successful debut in 2025, featuring our first cohort of creators selected from international delegations (Nigeria, Saudi Arabia), European training programs (Ex Oriente Series, Frames Festival Residency), Sunny Side Prizes (LatAm Content Meeting), and regional competitions (Grand Est "Pose ton doc"), we've built the foundation for a transformative support network that bridges local talent with global opportunities. In 2026, the Academy will expand its capacity to guide new voices toward international success and sustainable cross-border storytelling. 

The 37th edition of Sunny Side of the Doc will take place from 22 to 25 June 2026 in La Rochelle.