Sunny Side of the Doc Confirmed for June 2026 with New Format in partnershup with Documentary Campus
La Rochelle, January 28, 2026 - Sunny Side of the Doc will return to La Rochelle from 22 to 24 June 2026, enforcing its place on the international documentary calendar. The market will bring together the global documentary community for three days of business, exchanges and collaborations, in an optimised format.
Following unprecedented community mobilization and strong support from partners and funders, including decisive backing from the French CNC, Sunny Side of the Doc has worked intensively to define the contours of a powerful edition that reflects the importance of the challenges facing documentary professionals. This vision is now taking shape through a strategic partnership with Documentary Campus, which strengthens and amplifies Sunny Side's impact on the European and international documentary sector.
"This partnership allows us to look ahead with clarity and ambition," said Aurélie Reman, Managing Director of Sunny Side of the Doc. "Taking time to listen and reflect was essential to design a model that aligns with the shifting demands of the documentary community. Sunny Side of the Doc is that lighthouse guiding the way, the entry point for a world of stories with power and authenticity. Together with Documentary Campus, we are reinforcing our role as a key marketplace while creating fresh opportunities for the professionals who firmly stood up for it."
The 2026 edition will reflect this shift through a streamlined, three-day market format focused on the essentials of an efficient B2B environment, while opening new horizons to support the major transitions underway across the sector. At the core of this evolution is a reimagined market structure focused on linear productions and digital-first strategies, including a round-table pitching format that replaces traditional on-stage pitches with direct, discussion-driven encounters. The programme will also feature high-level talks and sessions addressing the future of documentary content, storytelling and business models.
“Documentary Campus brings long-standing expertise in designing and managing market-driven programmes that respond directly to the industry’s most urgent needs,” said Donata von Perfall, Managing Director of Documentary Campus. “With this new partnership, we are working together to build a market that addresses today’s challenges while driving the future of how documentaries are financed, produced, and shared globally.”
Roman Jeanneau, President of Doc Services implementing Sunny Side of the Doc, added: "We are delighted to confirm that Sunny Side of the Doc will return in 2026. This partnership with Documentary Campus and Donata von Perfall's commitment are a response to the needs of professionals at a pivotal moment for the industry. Under Aurélie Reman's leadership, Sunny Side will continue to foster business, fruitful connections, and meaningful reflections. See you in La Rochelle this June!”
Professionals from across the global documentary industry are invited to join Sunny Side of the Doc in La Rochelle from 22 to 24 June 2026. Early booking of travel and accommodation is strongly recommended