Official Launch of the Sunny Academy

For the 2025 edition, Sunny Side of the Doc is proud to launch the Sunny Academy, a support program designed to provide young creators with privileged access to the international documentary market.


The Sunny Academy is composed of three complementary initiatives: Doc Network, Doc Masters, and Doc Residency. Each program is designed to meet specific needs, ranging from mentorship and tailored training to pitch sessions, as well as a unique training program offered by Sunny Side of the Doc.

 

Doc Network: Privileged Access to the international market

The Doc Network program brings together several renowned training initiatives hosted at Sunny Side of the Doc. These external programs allow emerging talents to connect with the international documentary ecosystem while benefiting from the expertise of industry leaders during Sunny Side in June. This year, the program includes:

  • Ex Oriente Film Documentary Laboratory Training: A flagship initiative that will hold its opening session at Sunny Side of the Doc from June 20-26, 2025. This training lab, in partnership with Sunny Side, supports talents in developing their projects by providing practical and strategic advice during Sunny Side of the Doc. 
  • Producing a Film Impact Campaign Training Course: In collaboration with The Media Faculty, this training offers participants the necessary tools to develop successful impact campaigns, which are essential for the distribution and audience engagement of documentary projects, culminating in participation at Sunny Side of the Doc. 
  • Europe’s Got Talent Grants program: For several years, this grants program has been supporting young European talents by providing financial assistance, helping to lower barriers to entry and enabling emerging filmmakers to engage more fully with international industry opportunities.

 

Doc Masters: 35 Years of Expertise for the International Community

The Doc Masters program offers various activities such as mentoring sessions, international pitch forums, and bespoke training sessions designed mainly by Sunny Side of the Doc. This program stands out for its hands-on approach and its ability to connect talents with key industry decision-makers and experts.

  • LatAm Content Meeting: Sunny Side of the Doc hosted the pitch sessions at the first edition of the LatAm Content Meeting to allow project holders to present their documentaries to a panel of international decision-makers. These meetings have strengthened the presence of emerging talents in the Latin American market. 
  • Mentoring for Chinese Projects: In cooperation with CICC, Sunny Side of the Doc selected three Chinese projects to receive tailored mentoring. This program aimed to provide strategic support and facilitate the integration of these projects at the upcoming Sunny Side of the Doc edition. 
  • MBC Academy Training: In partnership with MBC Academy, Sunny Side of the Doc will offer an exclusive training program for ten Saudi filmmakers, aimed at helping them develop their projects for the international market. This program will include personalized support throughout the event, under the guidance of experts, as well as networking sessions and dedicated meetings. Program details to follow. 

 

Doc Residency: By Sunny Side, at Sunny Side

In 2025, Doc Residency will debut at Sunny Side of the Doc, marking the launch of a unique and tailored support program entirely designed by Sunny Side. This program is aimed at a selection of projects from our network of emerging talents and offers an intensive development journey. Participants will work directly with documentary industry experts to refine their projects and prepare for the international documentary market.

This exclusive program is designed to offer much more than just training. It includes specialized development sessions, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and privileged access to funding and co-production opportunities. The main goal is to provide these talents with the tools they need to establish themselves on the international stage.

Doc Residency is undoubtedly one of the cornerstones of the Sunny Academy, serving as a true springboard for today’s and tomorrow’s creators. This program embodies Sunny Side’s commitment to offering comprehensive training and tailored support before and during the event. Full program details will be shared in the coming weeks.