Long-running factual event had been cancelled in December after funding issues
Sunny Side of the Doc is to return to La Rochelle this June following backing from French funding body National Centre of Cinema (CNC) and training group Documentary Campus.
The move comes just under two months since organisers cancelled the 2026 edition of the international documentary market and conference, citing “a decline in key financial support” among reasons.
However, the financial backing of the CNC and support from Documentary Campus, which manages the World Congress of Science & Factual Producers event, means a “streamlined” version of the event will now take place between 22 and 24 June.
Organisers said it would offer the global documentary community “three days of business, exchanges and collaborations”, following “unprecedented community mobilisation and strong support from partners and funders” in the wake of the cancellation.
“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 introduce a “reimagined market structure” focused on linear productions and digital-first strategies, including a round-table pitching format that replaces on-stage pitches.
Panel sessions and keynotes will explore 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, the organisation’s managing director.
“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, the organisation that ran 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.”
The La Rochelle-based event was founded by Yves Jeanneau and ran its 36th iteration last year, attracting 2,100 participants from 60 countries.
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