#SSD26 > June 22-25, 2026
Along the Way Wins the Sunny Side of the Doc Prize at CNEX Chinese Doc Forum
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Prize
Along the Way Wins the Sunny Side of the Doc Prize at CNEX Chinese Doc Forum
Sunny Side of the Doc is delighted to announce that Along the Way, directed by Zhang Zhao and Pu Xiao-yue, and produced by Pan Zhi-yong, has won the Sunny Side of the Doc special prize during the 16th edition of the CNEX Chinese Documentary Forum (CCDF) in Taiwan.
Asia has always held a special place within Sunny Side of the Doc’s DNA. Since its creation, our event has consistently provided a platform for Asian voices, with a strong focus on China championed by Yves Jeanneau, co-founder of Sunny Side of the Doc. Continuing this tradition, our partnership with CCDF reaffirms our commitment to supporting documentary projects that explore underrepresented perspectives and foster international dialogue.
As the winner of the Sunny Side of the Doc prize, Along the Way has been awarded two complimentary accreditations for Sunny Side of the Doc 2026, a project submission fee waiver, and two hours of mentoring.
© Along the Way
Along the Way follows artist and filmmaker Pu Xiao-yue, who encounters a nearly extinct community of Chinese “self-comb women,” women who vowed to remain celibate and never marry, once living together in now-vanished “spinster houses.” During her research, Pu meets A’Zhuan, an 87-year-old woman from the last generation of self-comb women. Expecting a feminist rationale for her choices, Pu instead discovers a surprising and nuanced perspective that challenges binary notions of independence, tradition, and modernity. Through these encounters, Pu’s journey opens a profound reflection on women’s culture, aging, and mortality—both historically and in contemporary China.
About the event
The CNEX Chinese Documentary Forum (CCDF) is a platform dedicated to promoting documentary films related to the Chinese community. It aims to foster communication between Chinese documentary filmmakers and international broadcasters, funds, and distributors, encouraging creative collaboration and new opportunities for global circulation.
Each year, CCDF selects documentary project proposals to participate in a program that includes training sessions, pitching events, and public presentations. The selected participants gain access to a unique network of investors, philanthropists, and industry representatives, helping them to refine their projects and explore potential partnerships.