Sunny Side of the Doc 2023 Puts the Focus on Immersive Content

The 2023 edition of Sunny Side of the Doc, set to take place from June 19 to 22, will feature a series of events dedicated to innovative experiences and immersive content.

Conferences, masterclasses and case studies will address the challenges faced by the industry in regard to innovation and extended reality (XR). A selection of this year’s projects will also be shown in a VR area.

Topics throughout the event will include the different audiences for immersive experiences, challenges surrounding audio adaptation from documentary to podcasting and the creative challenges for new narratives. The question of audiences will also be a focus this year, alongside distribution, adaptation, immersive exhibitions, impacts and financing.

The call for projects opens on March 16 and will run until April 6.

“By separating the general public’s activities from the professional sector, our ambition is to respond as well as possible to the expectations of each of these targets,” said Mathieu Béjot, director of strategy and development at Sunny Side of the Doc. “More than ever, for this 2023 edition, we wish to multiply the bridges between linear documentaries, digital experiences and all the innovative forms of real-life narration. These bridges are used by a growing number of players in the sector, and Sunny Side of the Doc must reflect, accompany and anticipate these developments.”

Additionally, Sunny Side of the Doc revealed that PiXii Festival has moved to the fall and will take place from October 19 to 22. As part of the new set-up, PiXii Festival has developed an annual educational program for the 2023 to 2024 season for the entire local conurbation and beyond. In partnership with education professionals, artistic and cultural education workshops will be offered to schools around impact themes, focused on introducing works, documentaries, immersive technology and transmission. There will also be a focus on developing actions in community and cultural centers and increasing access in disadvantaged communities.

“In 2023, PiXii Festival is committed to highlighting documentary creation in all its innovative forms as well as its creators and storytelling professionals,” said Maïté Labat, innovation and digital experiences programmer in the Sunny Side of the Doc team. “PiXii Festival aims to play a leading role in the discovery and dissemination of and access to digital cultures for the general public, maintaining an ongoing relationship with La Rochelle’s historic and natural heritage. The festival’s international programme is aimed at diverse audiences, from adults to families, young audiences, novices and enthusiasts, as well as budding creators and school groups.”