Sunny Side of the Doc will not host an edition in 2026, citing the loss of key funding sources and organizational constraints.
Organizers said the long-running event in La Rochelle had lost its main European grant and seen a decline in its 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.”
Roman Jeanneau, president of Doc Services, states: “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. In this moment, my thoughts go to Yves Jeanneau, who succeeded in creating an event and a strong brand that will outlive him. Sunny Side remains essential to the documentary industry, and we hope the voices of this industry will shape its future. I sincerely thank our partners and our professional community around the world for their trust, and all those who have contributed to strengthening this event throughout its history.”
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.”
