- Home
- MARKETPLACE
- Open Calls
2022 Call for projects

Pitch at Sunny Side of the Doc
Sunny Side of the Doc’s 2022 Call for Projects is open !
Sunny Side of the Doc is the international community and marketplace dedicated to supporting the international financing of documentary projects and the circulation of completed programs. Every June, a 4-day event brings together 2,200+ participants (decision makers, producers, filmmakers, sales agents, foundations and funders) from 60+ countries.You’ll have the rare opportunity to pitch it and defend it to 400+ top-level international decision makers representing leading broadcasters, streamers, foundations, sales agents and other funders looking for impactful stories. Please check the complete list of attending decision makers in 2021.
Key benefits also include: accessing a qualified and diverse professional audience, mentoring from industry experts, sealing financial deals, finding potential partners, meeting with peers for potential co-production discussions, and much more.
We are thrilled to confirm that Sunny Side of the Doc will be back to La Rochelle for an in-person market. Our pitching sessions will be held on-site and online as well in order to accommodate participants who may not be able to travel to France. Wherever you are, you’ll have the same chance to pitch, so please submit your project!
What's new in 2022?
New Voices is Sunny Side’s 2022 main thread for both the market and year-round activities.
We strongly believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity in the documentary genre. Plurality of voices and talents is essential to ensure that films are relevant to diverse audiences. After the February session of the Global Pitch dedicated to Women’s Voices, new features will be deployed at the 33rd edition in June in order to embrace and nurture new talents, and help them find their place in the documentary community.
We strongly believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity in the documentary genre. Plurality of voices and talents is essential to ensure that films are relevant to diverse audiences. After the February session of the Global Pitch dedicated to Women’s Voices, new features will be deployed at the 33rd edition in June in order to embrace and nurture new talents, and help them find their place in the documentary community.
New Voices Talent Hub
At the top of our list is the New Voices Talent Hub. This session is designed to welcome first and second time filmmakers/content creators holding projects with international potential : we are looking for hidden gems, new authors, new producers, new directors, new issues, and inspiring stories.
Digital Na(rra)tive Stories
Sunny Side of the Doc will also continue strengthening and supporting new forms of digital and immersive non-fiction projects. Along with the “Immersive Experiences” pitching session, we are introducing a new slot for Digital Na(rra)tive Stories (standing for projects conceived natively for digital platforms, social networks, video games, etc.).
Pitching Sessions
GENRES
Deadline: April 7, 2022 11pm GMT.
5 sessions
- Global Issues
- Wildlife & Conservation
- Science
- History
- Arts & Culture
DIGITAL CREATION *
Deadline: April 7, 11pm GMT.
- Immersive Experiences
- Digital Na(rra)tive Stories [NEW!]
TALENT HUB
HOW TO SUBMIT?
- Log in or create your account on our professional portail – MySunny Space
- Visit the eshop to buy your Sunny Side of the Doc 2022 “Full Pass” or the “Pitch Submission”
- Submit your project by filling the form available in “My Account” > “My Projects/Programmes” > “SUNNY SIDE & PIXII 2022” > “REGISTER/SUBMIT”
* FURTHER DETAILS
During the 4-day market organised by Sunny Side of the Doc, you can present your documentary projects, in development, in one of the 8 categories above.The 2 sessions of the Digital Creation category cover immersive, XR, VR projects (session "Immersive Experiences") and projects designed natively for digital platforms (session "Digital Na(rra)tives Stories") looking for co-production or financing.
In parallel, as part of the organisation of the PiXii Festival, a Call for Entries of immersive or XR completed creations is launched.
What we are looking for
Eligible projects
- All talents can apply: filmmakers, producers, digital creators, game & interactive designers;
- All formats are welcome: one-offs, series, shorts and features, etc.
- From all countries: only requirement being that submissions must be written in English;
- Projects should be in advanced development with the financial commitment from at least one partner (broadcaster, platform, sales agent, supporting fund, foundation, crowdfunding, museum, brand etc.). A proof of the confirmed participation of all partners (LOC) is required;
- We do not encourage projects whose principal photography has been completed or which are in post-production.
Projects Assessment
In accordance with the New Voices main thread this year, the selection jury will be invited to keep a close eye on diversity, inclusion, parity both in front and behind the camera while assessing projects submitted.Projects in development or production will be assessed and shortlisted based on the following criteria:
- The power and originality of the story and of the storytelling;
- International relevance and potential;
- Financial feasibility;
- Without being a prerequisite, other elements will be taken into consideration, such as plans for an impact strategy or a green / sustainability certification.
Specific criteria
- “Immersive Experiences” session: This session includes projects exploring immersive storytelling, interactivity and new media tools to engage audiences with factual content, be it through augmented reality, virtual reality, gaming, installations, animation, large format, bineural sound, etc.
- “Digital Na(rra)tives Stories” session: This session includes projects conceived natively for digital platforms : social network platforms (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch etc.), video games, etc.
- “New Voices Talent Hub” session: This session is dedicated to projects from first and second time filmmakers/content creators.
What's your pitching journey?

Pitch live in La Rochelle or online!
After two years of online-only set up, we are delighted to hold our highly coveted pitching sessions back in La Rochelle! Of course, we will also accommodate international projects holders and Decision Makers who may not be able to travel to France.
By submitting your project to Sunny Side of the Doc’s pitches, you’re entering an invaluable journey.