Sunny Side of the Doc has announced its return to La Rochelle from 22-24 June 2026, following the cancellation of its 2026 edition last December due to financial challenges. The event will feature a new, streamlined three-day format and a strategic partnership with Documentary Campus.

This comeback is the result of strong community support and renewed financial backing from both public and private partners, including significant assistance from the French CNC. These efforts have helped stabilize the event’s funding and enabled a rethinking of its operational approach.

In December 2025, organizer Doc Services had announced the cancellation of the 37th edition, citing the loss of a major European grant, reduced economic support, and organizational constraints. The future of the market was said to depend on a major reorganization, which has now been realized.

Managing Director Aurélie Reman stated, “This partnership allows us to look ahead with clarity and ambition. Taking time to listen and reflect was essential in order to design a model that would align 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.” She emphasized that the collaboration with Documentary Campus will strengthen Sunny Side’s position as a key marketplace and create new opportunities for industry professionals.

The 2026 edition will focus on a compact B2B environment, tailored to address ongoing changes in the documentary sector. The revamped market will emphasize both linear productions and digital-first strategies. A new round-table pitching system will replace traditional stage pitches, encouraging more direct and interactive discussions. The program will also include high-level talks and professional sessions on the future of documentary storytelling, financing, and business models.

Donata von Perfall, Managing Director of Documentary Campus, commented, “Documentary Campus brings long-standing expertise in designing and managing market-driven programmes that respond directly to the industry’s most urgent needs. 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, 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.”

Since its founding, Sunny Side of the Doc has served as an international marketplace for both linear and non-linear documentaries, attracting over 2,000 professionals from more than 60 countries each June in La Rochelle. The confirmation of the 2026 edition signals resilience and a renewed industry focus at a time when public broadcasters and documentary markets across Europe are facing significant financial and structural pressures.

Documentary professionals worldwide are invited to attend the event in La Rochelle from 22-24 June, with organizers recommending early booking for travel and accommodation.

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.