New Routes for Distributors – A Tailor-Made Path to Maximize Opportunities

For the first time, Sunny Side of the Doc introduces tailor-made professional journeys to enhance participants’ experience. Three personalised tracks will be developed this year: Buyers, New Voices… and Distributors.

The goal of New Routes for Distributors: to offer distributors a personalized roadmap through the market, helping them identify the most relevant sessions for their needs — and ultimately maximize networking, sales, and acquisition opportunities.

© Jean-François Augé

A Conference Program Designed for Distributors

Aimed at those seeking to sell documentaries internationally, New Routes for Distributors highlights several must-attend sessions:

Meet the Buyers / Meet the Commissioners

Four fast-paced, targeted sessions to get a clear understanding of the editorial lines, needs, and acquisition strategies of leading international channels and platforms — all in 45 minutes, followed by an interactive Q&A:

  • Monday, June 23 – 15:00–15:45: Meet the Buyers — Moderated by Paul Heaney (BossaNova)

  • Tuesday, June 24 – 11:00–11:45: Meet the Buyers — Moderated by Paul Heaney (BossaNova)

  • Tuesday, June 24 – 16:00–16:45: Meet the Commissioners — Moderated by Richard Middleton (Broadcast), in partnership with Broadcast Intelligence

  • Wednesday, June 25 – 12:00–12:45: Meet the Commissioners — Moderated by Richard Middleton (Broadcast), in partnership with Broadcast Intelligence

Navigating the Distribution Shift

Tuesday, June 24 at 16:30

A brand-new panel exploring the key changes impacting the global distribution landscape: rights evolution, international sales strategies, and shifting buyer expectations.

These core sessions form the backbone of the distributor pathway, but many other key moments will enrich the journey.

Line-Ups & Market Trends: Key Moments for Distributors

Major broadcaster line-ups offer strategic insights into sought-after formats, genres, and commissioning priorities. Key sessions to bookmark:

  • France Télévisions – Monday, June 23 at 17:30

  • NHK – Monday, June 23 at 12:00

  • RMC & RMC Story – Tuesday, June 24 at 10:30

  • Groupe M6 – Tuesday, June 24 at 12:00

  • Groupe Canal+ – Tuesday, June 24 at 14:30

  • China Hour – Tuesday, June 24 at 12:00

  • NOVO19 – Wednesday, June 25 at 15:15

  • ARTE – Thursday, June 26 at 12:00

  • CNC Presentation – Wednesday, June 25 at 14:30
    A strategic presentation revealing the latest trends in documentary sales across France and international markets.

 

The Go-To Global Marketplace for Documentary Distribution

With more than 110 international broadcasters and platforms gathering annually in La Rochelle, Sunny Side of the Doc is a strategic hub for any documentary distributor aiming to reach global buyers. Over 250 decision-makers — including National Geographic, France Télévisions, Canal+, ARTE, Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, BBC, Channel 4, NHK, PBS, RAI, Disney+, HBO, and many more — attend to scout projects, build programming slates, and forge new partnerships.

To support professionals in their outreach, every accredited participant receives access to the full participants list and an exclusive Buyers & Commissioners Guide. This essential document details each decision-maker’s editorial line, preferred formats, acquisition volume, thematic interests, and direct contact information — an invaluable resource to plan meetings effectively and maximize commercial potential.

As an added opportunity, accredited participants can also upload and showcase their programs through MySunny Space, the market’s official online platform. These digital catalogs are accessible to all attending decision-makers, allowing them to screen projects before or during the event — and initiate targeted connections. A high-visibility, year-round showcase at the heart of the international documentary community.