Sunny Side of the Doc Returning in June

After initially having its 2026 edition canceled in December, Sunny Side of the Doc has confirmed it will be returning to La Rochelle from June 22 to 24, in partnership with Documentary Campus.

“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 return of the event follows unprecedented community mobilization and strong support from various partners and funders, including decisive backing from the French CNC.

The 2026 edition will feature a three-day market format focused on the essentials of an efficient B2B environment while opening new horizons to support the major transitions underway across the factual sector. Across three days, the program will feature high-level talks and sessions addressing the future of documentary content, storytelling and business models, as well as a roundtable pitching format that replaces traditional on-stage pitches with direct, discussion-driven encounters.

“Documentary Campus brings long-standing expertise in designing and managing market-driven programs that respond directly to the industry’s most urgent needs,” said Donata von Perfall, managing director of Documentary Campus. “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 implementing 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. See you in La Rochelle this June!”