La Rochelle-based international documentary festival had run for 35 years
Organisers of Sunny Side of the Doc have cancelled the 2026 edition of the international documentary market and conference.
Doc Services said the “difficult but necessary decision” had resulted from a combination of factors including “the loss of its main European grant, a decline in key financial support, as well as organisational constraints that make it impossible to deliver an event that meets the expectations and challenges of today’s global audiovisual ecosystem.”
The La Rochelle-based event was founded by Yves Jeanneau and had brought together the international documentary community to discuss co-financing and trends with filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, distributors, institutions, audiovisual and cultural partners.
Last year’s Sunny Side attracted 2,100 participants from 60 countries.
Doc Services said the the event would require a “complete reconstruction” if it was to continue in coming years.
“If the prospect of a return as early as 2027 were to emerge, it would rely on a project built with and for the documentary industry. A new chapter can be written, and it feels more essential than ever,” the organisation said.
Roman Jeanneau, president of Doc Services, said: “After six years at the helm of Doc Services, we are reaching the end of a cycle. It is with a heavy heart that I have decided not to host the 2026 edition of Sunny Side of the Doc. Our 36-year family journey with Sunny Side is coming to a close.
“In this moment, my thoughts go to Yves Jeanneau, who succeeded in creating an event and a strong brand that will outlive him. Sunny Side remains essential to the documentary industry, and we hope the voices of this industry will shape its future.
“I sincerely thank our partners and our professional community around the world for their trust, and all those who have contributed to strengthening this event throughout its history.”
Aurélie Reman, managing director of Doc Services, added: “Documentaries are and must remain a cultural, civic and democratic anchor. This conviction has guided my mission, supported by dedicated teams, a united industry and an engaged advisory board.
“Although current constraints force this difficult transition, I remain deeply convinced of the vital importance of Sunny Side of the Doc. Any reconstruction will require a renewed vision and the mobilisation of the entire international community.
“I share this ambition with the certainty that the documentary genre deserves this space of excellence, independence, authenticity and exchange in France and Europe.”
Sunny Side’s collaboration with Brazil and Latin America will continue in 2026 alongside the LatAm Content Meeting, with the call for projects remaining open until 10 December 2025. Three pitch sessions led by Sunny Side of the Doc will then run from 13 to 15 April 2026 in São Paulo.
Doc Services said it remained available to answer queries from industry during what it termed as a transition period.
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