Doc Market Finds New Life in La Rochelle

The 37th Sunny Side of the Doc (SSD) is set to take place in La Rochelle, France, from June 22-24. Despite financial headwinds, the documentary market has introduced new sections, a feat achieved in just five months. Critical support from France's Centre of National Cinema (CNC) and a new alliance with Documentary Campus will bolster a B2B environment for both traditional and digital projects.

SSD managing director Aurélie Reman highlighted the industry's need for trustworthy content and a global ecosystem approach to funding. The event will feature three new sections: Meet & Match, connecting producers with decision-makers; Copro Hub, for co-production exchanges; and Distributor Track, for buyers and distributors.

Under the theme 'The Right Move,' SSD addresses the industry's need to rethink editorial strategies and adapt to a digital-first environment. Approximately 2,000 professionals from 60 countries, including producers, filmmakers, and distributors, are expected. Notable attendees include representatives from National Geographic, Paramount, and RTL Television.

Keynote speakers will discuss audience engagement and the challenges of fragmented revenues. The market also welcomes IP professionals from the book industry for the first time, exploring potential collaborations with TV producers. SSD focuses on documentaries for TV, digital, and streaming platforms, not theatrical releases.