Doc Services has decided not to hold its international international documentary festival Sunny Side of the Doc in 2026.
In a statement, the organisation said: “This difficult but necessary decision results from a combination of factors: the loss of its main European grant, a decline in key financial support, as well as organisational constraints that make it impossible to deliver an event that meets the expectations and challenges of today’s global audiovisual ecosystem.”
Sunny Side of the Doc has brought together the international documentary community in La Rochelle for 35 years, to find co-financing for projects, elevate new voices and foster connections between filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, distributors, institutions, audiovisual and cultural partners.
Collaboration with Brazil and Latin America will continue in 2026 alongside the LatAm Content Meeting. The call for projects remains open until 10 December 2025, ahead of the three pitch sessions led by Sunny Side of the Doc from 13 to 15 April 2026 in São Paulo.
The statement continues: “This turning point marks the end of one cycle and may be the beginning of a new one, which can only be conceived as a complete reconstruction. If the prospect of a return as early as 2027 were to emerge, it would rely on a project built with and for the documentary industry. A new chapter can be written, and it feels more essential than ever.”
Roman Jeanneau, President of Doc Services said: “After six years at the helm of Doc Services, we are reaching the end of a cycle. It is with a heavy heart that I have decided not to host the 2026 edition of Sunny Side of the Doc. Our 36-year family journey with Sunny Side is coming to a close.”
Aurélie Reman, Managing Director of Doc Services, adds: “Documentaries are and must remain a cultural, civic and democratic anchor. This conviction has guided my mission, supported by dedicated teams, a united industry and an engaged advisory board. Although current constraints force this difficult transition, I remain deeply convinced of the vital importance of Sunny Side of the Doc. Any reconstruction will require a renewed vision and the mobilisation of the entire international community. I share this ambition with the certainty that the documentary genre deserves this space of excellence, independence, authenticity and exchange in France and Europe.”
Throughout this transition period, the Doc Services team remains available to answer questions from professionals and keep them informed of the next steps.
Pippa Considine
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