Sunny Side of the Doc, ‘the international marketplace for documentary and narrative experiences,’ has unveiled its pitch selection for the 33rd edition which will take place in La Rochelle 20 to 23 June, following two online editions.
The market’s eight pitch sessions will take place during the marketplace before more than 400 high-level international decision-makers, including major broadcasters, streamers, foundations, sales agents and other investors looking for the ‘most original and compelling stories.’
Over four days, 2,200 industry delegates from 60 different countries, including decision-makers, producers, directors, agents and investors, will have access to the exhibition area, pitch sessions, conferences, renowned keynote speakers, and panels on the theme of New Voices, as well as face-to-face networking opportunities.
“This new selection of projects stands out for its great diversity and its singular view of today’s world, echoing the 2022 thread: New Voices,” write organisers. Following the call for projects launched in February 2022, 275 documentary projects from 46 countries were submitted. Two out of 5 projects coming from young directors championing their first or second documentary output, and 50.7% of submissions came from women, say organisers.
This year, 48 projects from 22 countries will be presented across 8 pitch sessions split into three major categories:
- Genres: Global Issues, Wildlife & Conservation, Science, History, Arts & Culture
- Digital Creation: Immersive Experiences, Digital Na(rra)tive Stories
- Talent: Hub New Voices
The best projects from each session will be chosen by a jury of international industry experts and the eight winners will each receive a cash prize of €3,000 from the respective pitch session sponsors.
For the first time, a “Coup de Coeur” award will be presented by international student delegations to a director who has submitted a first or second documentary project.
Click here for full selection.
“This 2022 official selection, with equal gender representation, is once again distinguished by the great diversity of the works presented,” comments Mathieu Béjot, Director of Strategy and Development at Sunny Side of the Doc. “40% of the selection – in all categories – is made up of first or second films, and new territories are being seen and heard, such as Jordan, Iceland, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates and Slovenia. The search for authenticity and new and different points of view are the main features the majority of the works selected, some of which exist in a more original format, the podcast, which is making a remarkable entry at Sunny Side this year.”
Director Sarvnaz Alambeigi, winner of the Global Pitch dedicated to Women Voices last February, and member of the jury in June, adds: “As the winner of Global pitch 2022 I am pleased and thankful to be invited to contribute to celebrate New Voices and hidden gems at the coming edition of Sunny Side” she explains. “This provides a unique opportunity to young and talented directors, writers and producers who want to develop their work, grow in their careers, expand their boundaries and work internationally. I’m very curious and eager to see their inspiring ideas and their new look to the world through their videos.”
