SUNNY SIDE OF THE DOC, REWORKED INTO AN ONLINE FORMAT

The 31st edition of Sunny Side of the Doc, the international marketplace for documentary and narrative experiences, and the 4th edition of PiXii Festival, the international festival for digital cultures, have been entirely reworked into an online format in order to provide viable opportunities on June 22 to 25.

This unique platform will enable all major industry stakeholders to connect for a series of tailor-made activities including pitch sessions, one-to-one meetings and also a significant programming of video resources and topical webinars (livestreamed Q&A, hands-on workshops, case studies), designed by top-level experts to foster extensive interactions with professional peers. What’s more, the new digital format allows for some of the online offerings to remain accessible beyond June 25.

●  SUNNY SIDE’S DNA GOES DIGITAL: CONTENT, TRENDS AND NETWORKING

The Sunny Side of the Doc – Connected Edition is structured around three elements that are the foundation of this international marketplace’s DNA: showcasing quality-driven projects and programmes; having a finger on the pulse for industry trends; and developing an international network for collaboration between producers, distributors and broadcasters.

“Faced with the brutal reality of the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing strict measures imposed to control the virus, we wanted to help the whole documentary community see it through the crisis. That means redefining our original outline and setting, as going ahead with a physical event at L’Espace Encan in La Rochelle would represent too much of a risk to our attendees, partners, friends and our team,”  explained Mathieu Béjot, Director of Strategy and Development of Sunny Side of the Doc.

“With this is mind, cancelling the marketplace was never an option, especially during a time when the sector’s economy needs support from cultural operators, needs commitment to carrying on developing productions, acquiring original programmes, maintaining professional relationships and fostering innovative creative partnerships. Furthermore, we would like to thank the industry and those institutions that have shown their full support since the onset of this crisis,”  he added.