Archives & Innovation: Two Strategic Summits to Reinvent the Documentary Genre

Sunny Side of the Doc strengthens its editorial proposal with two new key highlights: the Innovation Summit (June 23–24) and the Archives Summit (June 25–26). These summits will offer professionals targeted opportunities and new perspectives for the documentary industry.

© Hugo Lafitte

© Hugo Lafitte

Innovation Summit: AI, immersive, digital first — documentaries leading narrative revolutions

The Innovation Summit will spotlight technological and narrative advancements in documentary through a series of conferences dedicated to the latest industry trends:

  • The Digital-First Documentary Shift
    How are creators and broadcasters adapting to platforms like YouTube? This session explores new storytelling models, monetization strategies, and digital collaborations.

  • AI in Docs: Who Benefits from the Revolution?
    AI is reshaping creation and raising ethical questions. A debate on innovation, rights, and the future of documentary truth.

  • New Immersive Destinations
    XR content is entering physical spaces. Discover how creators are rethinking formats, venues, and audience engagement.

  • Sunny Innovation Lab & Showcase
    Selected projects will be presented to industry players and exhibited at the Studio in the Encan hall, alongside a curated selection by partner Diversion, featuring some of the year’s boldest immersive experiences.

Audiovisual archives and heritage: the raw material for tomorrow’s stories.

The Archives Summit will bring together experts, producers, broadcasters, and platforms to explore the challenges and opportunities of archives in documentary creation: preservation, access, and historical storytelling.

The many archive companies that have long been part of Sunny Side of the Doc will be featured and honored. These organizations are essential partners in many films. Meanwhile, newly opened archives around the world are offering fresh perspectives on our shared histories.

Archive producers are becoming increasingly important for their expertise in locating, accessing, and negotiating archival material. Sunny Side of the Doc is inviting 10 archive producers from all continents to join the market. They serve as a vital link between archive houses and documentary producers.

Key highlights:

  • Archives Keynote
    American filmmaker Dawn Porter will share her experience working with archives and present her latest film dedicated to Nelson Mandela. A powerful journey through history, seen through the eyes of a committed filmmaker.

  • Archives Showcase & Cocktail
    For one hour, six organizations will present their activities, specialties, and approaches to bringing archives to life. Join them afterward for a moment of networking during the dedicated “Archives” cocktail event.

  • First Nations & Archives
    This panel continues the conversation on the decolonization of archives. How can First Nations reclaim images filmed by others? How can they use these archives to tell their own stories and portray their cultures from within?

  • Archives & Africa
    This session will focus on the management of archives across the African continent: who is preserving them, with what resources, and under what policies? Speakers will engage in an open discussion on the realities, challenges, and initiatives—both local and international—working to rehabilitate and promote African audiovisual heritage.

Other key sessions will also shape this Archives Summit, including the History Pitch, which will highlight ambitious documentary projects.

This major turning point for the archives sector is also reflected in the increased presence of specialized exhibitors. 18 will be present in the exhibition hall, forming a true "Archives Village" accessible throughout the four days of the market.