2022 Call for projects

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!

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.