Sunny Side of the Doc has announced the opening of submissions for its 2025 edition. This year’s calls for projects and applications present two major opportunities for global collaboration in the documentary industry.

The first initiative is the Call for Projects: Pitch Sessions aimed at fostering international co-productions. Documentary creators can apply to pitch their work in one of seven categories: Science, History, Arts & Entertainment, Nature & Environment, Current Affairs & Investigation, New Voices, and Impact Campaigns. Selected projects will be mentored by industry experts and showcased to over 300 top-level decision-makers, including broadcasters, distributors, and buyers. Winning projects will be awarded prizes to further their development.

The second initiative, the Sunny Innovation Lab, offers a tailored training program for non-linear, digital, and immersive documentary formats such as virtual reality, podcasts, and AI-driven projects. This initiative supports six selected projects with access to a network of international professionals and specialized workshops.

Submissions for both calls are now open, with a deadline of 25 March 2025. The 36th edition of Sunny Side of the Doc will take place in La Rochelle, France, from 23-26 June 2025.