Sessions 2026
The 37th edition of Sunny Side of the Doc will take place from June 22 to 24, 2026, in La Rochelle, France. Registration is on sale now.
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The Right Move
In a fragmented, contracting market, success depends on finding the right partners, sharing risk, and building smarter collaborations. The old models are gone – but new opportunities are opening. For those ready to adapt, the difference between uncertainty and momentum comes down to being informed, connected, and in the right place at the right time.
Sunny Side of the Doc, in partnership with Documentary Campus, delivers the insights, connections, and strategies the industry needs now. Through sharp keynotes, honest discussions, and practical case studies, the programme tackles financing, co-production, the creator economy, direct-to-consumer strategies, audience engagement, and new business models head-on, offering a clear, actionable view of where the market is going and how to move with it.
The landscape has changed permanently. The difference between uncertainty and confidence is being well-informed, well-connected and in the right place at the right time. And those who aren't in La Rochelle this June will miss the conversations that matter. Make the Right Move.
Programme highlights
Monday, 22 June | 10:30
Ben Zand, Founder and CEO of Zandland, is building a new model by creating, funding and distributing documentaries entirely in-house. His keynote will confront what actually resonates with audiences today beyond clicks, and what it takes to build lasting engagement in an ecosystem where audiences are increasingly elusive.
Tuesday, 23 June | 09:30
Helle Faber, Oscar-winning producer (Mr Nobody Against Putin) at Made in Copenhagen, will deliver a keynote on international co-production in a time of unprecedented change. As traditional financing narrows and the balance of power shifts, her session will offer a clear-eyed view of what is changing, what remains essential, and how producers can navigate this moment to decisively make the right move.
broadcaster lineups
Monday, 22 June
12:00 | NHK
16:15 | France Télevisions
Tuesday, 23 June
11:00 | ARTE
14:00 | Canal+
15:30 | Paris Première & Téva Lineup (Groupe M6)
17:30 | RMC