sunny side 2026

22-24 June 2026

Sunny Side of the Doc returns to La Rochelle for its 37th edition with a renewed vision and strategic partnership with Documentary Campus. Following unprecedented community mobilization and strong support from partners including the French CNC, the market enters a new era designed to meet the evolving needs of the international documentary sector.

In 2026, Sunny Side of the Doc evolves with a streamlined three-day format designed to support efficient B2B exchange and respond to the realities of today’s industry. The market introduces round-table, discussion-led pitching in place of on-stage presentations, alongside talks and sessions focused on the future of documentary storytelling, production and business. The result is a market designed to spark connections, partnerships, and the documentaries of tomorrow.

Save the date for 2026! 

A Reimagined Format

The 2026 edition introduces a streamlined three-day market focused on effective B2B exchange and the major transitions shaping our industry.

Key innovations include :

 

Round-table pitching

Replacing traditional on-stage presentations for direct, discussion-driven encounters

Market structure

Optimized for both linear productions and digital-first strategies

High-Level sessions 

Addressing the future of documentary content, storytelling and business models

Join Us!

"Sunny Side of the Doc is that lighthouse opening the way, the gateway and hub for a world of stories with power and authenticity," says Aurélie Reman, Managing Director. "Together with Documentary Campus, we are reinforcing our role as a key marketplace while creating fresh opportunities for the professionals who stood up for it."

Registration opens soon.

Early booking of travel and accommodation strongly recommended

Gallery

You may be wondering what Sunny Side of the Doc looks like? Take a look at the pictures below!

  • Jean-François Augé - Studio Ouest
  • Jean-François Augé - Studio Ouest
  • Jean François Augé | Studio Ouest
  • 5T5A1351©hugolafitte
  • 5T5A2579©hugolafitte
  • 5T5A2564©hugolafitte
  • Jean François Augé | Studio Ouest
  • Jean-François Augé - Studio Ouest
  • 5T5A1376©hugolafitte
  • Jean-François Augé - Studio Ouest
  • Jean François Augé | Studio Ouest
  • Jean-François Augé - Studio Ouest

useful info

The 37th edition of the international marketplace for documentary will take place from 22 to 24 June 2026 in La Rochelle at Espace Encan, Quai Louis Prunier, 17000 La Rochelle.

how to move?

Walking: From the Espace Encan, reach the city centre in just 5 minutes.

"Le Passeur": Electric boat between the Old Port and the Médiathèque Michel Crépeau. Specific free access with your SSD badge

Yelo bikes: City's self-services bicycles. Specific free access with your SSD badge.

Official Selection & prize list

This year, 42 projects from 22 countries had the honor of competing for the Best Pitch Prize. After seven thematic pitch sessions supported by key industry partners, the winners have now been revealed. Congratulations to all the awarded project holders for their outstanding presentations and creativity.

key figures

  • 2 calls
  • 300+ decision-makers
  • 70+ industry sessions
  • 1000+ companies registered
  • 2000+ total attendees

calls for projects

Calls for the 37th edition of Sunny Side of the Doc opening soon.

Call for projects Pitch sessions

Call for projects

Pitch sessions

Submit your project to pitch in front of 300+ decision-makers across key factual genres including Science, History, Nature & Environment, and more.

soon available
soon available
Call for applications Sunny Innovation Lab

Call for applications

Sunny Innovation Lab

Join Sunny Innovation Lab, our training program for non-linear documentaries: XR, podcasts, video games, immersive creations and more, offering tailored development for six selected projects.

soon available
soon available

decision makers
in attendance in 2025

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Register

register as

delegate

Grab your Market Pass and participate in the market from June 23 to 26. It includes access to all activities, conferences, and workshops organized during the market in La Rochelle.

Register
Register

register as

exhibitor

Exhibit at Sunny Side of the Doc! Choose the type of stand that suits your the most! Classic stands from 6m² to 18m², tailor-made stands, meeting tables, sellers’ lounge tables, up to you!

read more
read more

register as

Decision maker

Meet 800+ international content producers and 200+ distributors across a wide range of networking events, a unique opportunity to find hidden gem and develop potential business opportunities.

contact us
contact us

register as

Journalist

Our market is essential for most of international channels and platforms as it is often used as a tool for official announcements. Be the first to reveal the latest news!

contact us
contact us

timeline

Save the dates

Before 2025
Sunny Side of the Doc
3 June

Before 2025

Designed to bring together the documentary community for one day (June 3th) before the market, the online event will provide newcomers, pitchers, and all accredited participants with the guidance they need to succeed in the marketplace in June.

> More info

Sunny Side of the Doc 2025
Sunny Side of the Doc
23-26 June 2025

Sunny Side of the Doc 2025

Join 36th edition of Sunny Side of the Doc, the international marketplace for documentary taking place on 23-26 June, 2025 in La Rochelle.

> More info.

Sunny Side of the Doc 2026
Sunny Side of the Doc
22-25 June 2026

Sunny Side of the Doc 2026

Join 37th edition of Sunny Side of the Doc, the international marketplace for documentary taking place on 22-24 June 2026, La Rochelle.

Jun 2025
3 June
23-26 June 2025
Jun 2026
22-25 June 2026

agenda

Want to discover the highlights of this 36th edition?

Keynotes, channel lineups, pitch sessions, panels and conferences, Meet the Executives, screenings, networking events, happy hours... Have a glimpse into the #SSD25 programme without further delay!

Agenda

Sunny Innovation Lab

Sunny Innovation Lab is a unique training program for non-linear documentary projects such as podcasts, VR, AR, immersive installations, AI, video games, and more.

Six selected projects will benefit from tailored mentoring, industry insights, and personalized guidance to help creators develop their projects and prepare for international exposure.

the agenda

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Monday 23 June23/06
Tuesday 24 June24/06
Wednesday 25 June25/06
Thursday 26 June26/06
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Sessions and events by invitation only.

All time references are set on Central European Summertime

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Monday 23 June
09:00 - 10:00 am 60 min
Sunny Room
Breakfast – German & Chilean Delegations
lock-closed
Sunny Room
Networking Times
Monday 23 June
10:00 - 10:30 am 30 min
Agora
Antonia Pellegrino – Opening Keynote
Agora
Industry Talks
Monday 23 June
10:30 - 11:30 am 60 min
Side Room
Workshop From Local to Global Storytelling
lock-closed
Side Room
Industry Talks
Monday 23 June
10:45 - 11:45 am 60 min
Agora
Global Doc: Will A.I. transform international coproductions?
Agora
Industry Talks
Monday 23 June
11:30 - 12:30 pm 60 min
Conference Room
Sunny Innovation Lab Showcase 1/2
Conference Room
Pitch Sessions
Monday 23 June
12:00 - 01:00 pm 60 min
Auditorium
Meet NHK: “Run for the Next 100 years”
Auditorium
Lineup & Showcase
Monday 23 June
01:00 - 02:30 pm 90 min
Lounge
LatAm Content Meeting, São Paulo City Hall & SPcine Lunch
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Lounge
Networking Times
Monday 23 June
02:00 - 03:00 pm 60 min
Conference Room
Impact garanti (quand les femmes prennent la caméra)
Conference Room
Industry Talks
Monday 23 June
02:15 - 03:00 pm 45 min
Agora
Meet Al Jazeera Media Network
Agora
Industry Talks
Monday 23 June
02:30 - 03:00 pm 30 min
Auditorium
ZDF Studios Micro Showcase
Auditorium
Industry Talks
Monday 23 June
03:00 - 03:45 pm 45 min
Sunny Room
Meet the Buyers
Sunny Room
Industry Talks
Monday 23 June
03:30 - 05:00 pm 90 min
Auditorium
Science Pitch
Auditorium
Pitch Sessions
Monday 23 June
03:30 - 05:00 pm 90 min
Agora
New Voices Pitch
Agora
Pitch Sessions
Monday 23 June
04:00 - 05:00 pm 60 min
Conference Room
Immersive Destinations: New Horizons for XR Content
Conference Room
Industry Talks
Monday 23 June
05:30 - 07:00 pm 90 min
Auditorium
Lineup France Télévisions
Auditorium
Lineup & Showcase
Monday 23 June
07:00 - 11:00 pm 240 min
Others
Screening & Cocktail – NHK Event: Run for the Next 100 Years
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Others
Special Events
Monday 23 June
07:00 - 08:00 pm 60 min
Others
Happy Oysters Hour
Others
Networking Times
Monday 23 June
07:00 - 09:00 pm 120 min
Others
Happy Hour INA – Documentary creation & meetings
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Others
Networking Times
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Sessions and events by invitation only.

All time references are set on Central European Summertime