Factual

Sunny Side of the Doc has officially unveiled the 42 projects selected for its 36th edition, which will take place from 23 to 26 June 2025 in La Rochelle, France.
Launched in December 2024, the 2025 call for projects attracted 328 submissions from 56 countries—maintaining a stable figure for the third consecutive year, following the strong post-pandemic rebound in 2022. This year also saw submissions from 15 new countries, including Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Colombia, highlighting the expanding global reach of the event.

One of the key highlights of this year’s edition is the significant rise in emerging talent. Since the creation of the “New Voices” category in 2023, nearly half of all submissions have come from first or second-time filmmakers. This category now accounts for 24% of total entries. Additionally, over 50% of the selected projects are produced by women—affirming Sunny Side of the Doc’s commitment to greater inclusivity and representation in the documentary field.

“This 2025 selection does more than simply reflect the state of global documentary filmmaking – it drives its transformations, responds to broadcasters' expectations, and stands out through its eclecticism,” said Aurélie Reman, Managing Director of Sunny Side of the Doc. “In line with this year’s theme, New Routes to Storytelling, we are proud to highlight projects that resonate with contemporary audiences while embracing bold narrative formats and financial viability. These stories — rooted in truth and creativity — spotlight the talent that can shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for the documentary industry.”

The 42 projects will compete across seven thematic pitch sessions, each supported by key industry partners such as PBS Distribution, Blue Ant Media & Love Nature, RTBF, Al Jazeera Documentary & AJB DOC, and ZDF Studios. Each project is eligible for the Best Pitch Prize and will receive a cash reward sponsored by event partners.

All selected project holders will benefit from personalised mentoring, access to a qualified professional network, and bespoke matchmaking designed to foster international co-production opportunities.

In addition to the official selection, Sunny Side of the Doc also revealed the six projects chosen for the Sunny Innovation Lab — a unique development programme focused on non-linear formats including podcasts, VR, AR, immersive installations, AI, and video games. Participants in this programme will receive expert mentoring and tailored support to refine their ideas and prepare for international markets.

Winners in each pitch category will be announced during the Awards Café, held daily in the Meeting Area. This new networking initiative offers a relaxed setting for press and industry professionals to connect directly with the creators behind the selected projects.