The Studio : exploring non-linear creation

As part of Sunny Side of the Doc 2025, the Studio stands out as a must-visit space to explore the creativity and diversity of new forms of documentary storytelling. Designed as a hub for experimentation and discovery, it will showcase a selection of 10 immersive works, curated jointly by Sunny Side of the Doc and Diversion, a pioneer in virtual reality in France.

A selection of works from the program co-curated with Diversion:

  • 21-22 USA – HELLOHELLO Productions (Canada┃VR)
    Aerial and contemplative journey through the transformed landscapes of the Anthropocene in the United States.
  • Address Unknown: Fukushima Now – Serendipity Films Ltd., Twisted Nerve Productions, Young Films International, LLC (Japan/USA/Taipei┃VR)
    A powerful immersion into the memories of Fukushima survivors, using VR and photogrammetry.
  • Ancestral Secret VR – Galgo Storytelling, NowHere Media Production (Chile┃VR)
    A mystical exploration of Q’ero culture and the prophecy of the Condor and the Eagle.
  • ASTRA – Atlas V (France, USA┃VR)
    A cosmic mixed reality odyssey in search of the essential ingredients for life in the universe.
  • IMPULSE: Playing with Reality – Anagram, co-produced by Floréal & France Télévisions (UK, USA┃mixed reality)
    An interactive experience about ADHD, narrated by Tilda Swinton and awarded at the Venice Film Festival.
  • In the Eye of the Beholding Goat – Emi Sfard (Israel┃AR)
    A performative augmented reality narrative about the “Law of the Black Goat” and its contemporary political resonances.
  • La vraie vie – Les Films Invisibles (France┃Screening)
    An ironic journey through a virtual world, seen through the eyes of an actor searching for meaning.
  • Lacuna – Podium Biarritz and Studio Biarritz, Copper Views Film Productions (Netherlands┃VR)
    A sensory journey through family memory and the traumas of World War II.
  • Play Life – Žilvinas Naujokas (Lithuania┃VR)
    A poetic journey through the paintings of a Lithuanian artist, brought to life in 3D and music.
  • The Choice I, II, III – Infinite Frame Media (Canada┃VR)
    An immersive journey of a young Indigenous woman facing the challenges of reproductive rights.

Sunny Innovation Lab

This year, the Studio transforms into a true showcase for new forms of storytelling by hosting the 2025 selection from the Sunny Innovation Lab, a support training program for non-linear documentary projects.

The six projects presented within the Studio were chosen through a twofold process: an international call for projects launched by Sunny Side of the Doc, as well as the Sunny Side of the Doc awards granted in partnership with two festivals, CPH:LAB and NewImages Festival. The winners of these awards were directly integrated into the selection, thereby strengthening the program’s international and collaborative dimension.

  • A Sanctuary of Stuff – Eszter Várhidi & Francesca Tremulo (VR)
    A sharp satire on digital accumulation and obsessive creation.
  • Becoming Lucien – MORITURI (France┃VR)
    A personal and poignant story of transition, identity, and resilience.
  • Burn them all! – Court-jus Production (France┃Immersive experience)
    A chilling reenactment of witch trials, reflecting modern-day persecutions.
  • Channelers – Monster Mind Studio (Poland┃VR)
    A supernatural exploration of mysterious phenomena in Soviet Poland.
  • Sefar – L'Équipage (Canada┃VR)
    A poetic journey into the living ruins of the Sahara and the legends of the Tuareg.
  • Rebel Girls – Tales of Extraordinary Women – SYNAESTHETICA (Germany┃VR/AR)
    A playful experience inspired by the best-seller Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.

This year, XRoam will award a special prize to one of these six selected projects. The XRoam Immersive Award 2025 includes access  to the XRoam 360° LBVR Solution, along with a training session, full access to XRoam's technical documentation, personalized recommendations in experience design and LBVR strategy, and ongoing technical support.