Sunny Side of the Doc has announced the launch of «Sunny Academy,» a new support program designed to empower emerging documentary professionals. The initiative aims to provide structured access to the international documentary market, offering young creatives the tools and connections needed to develop their careers.

Supported by a network of global partners—including the Institute of Documentary Film, The Media Faculty, #Documentary Campus#, LatAm Content Meeting, CICC, MBC Academy, and Taskovski DocsConnect—the Sunny Academy will operate across three sub-programs: Doc Network, Doc Masters, and Doc Residency.

Doc Network brings together existing training initiatives at Sunny Side of the Doc, including the Ex Oriente Film Documentary Laboratory and The Media Faculty course. It also encompasses the long-running grants program that provides financial access to European talents aiming to break into the global market.

Doc Masters, building on Sunny Side’s 35-year legacy in the field, focuses on mentorship, international pitching forums, and tailor-made professional training. Its mission is to strengthen community ties and promote co-production across borders.

Doc Residency, set to launch at this year’s edition of Sunny Side of the Doc, will debut as a curated development space for selected projects by emerging creators, with further details to be revealed soon.