call for projects

We’re looking for documentaries which are not merely traditional news reporting but deeply explore complex issues, subjects or events, shedding light on untold stories, uncovering information that has been hidden, overlooked, or suppressed and challenging the status quo and prevailing narratives. We expect projects characterized by their rigorous research, in-depth analysis, compelling evidence and nuanced narrative.

We are open to any topics that have social, economic, technological, environmental, or political relevance and which can resonate with international audiences.

For this category, the potential for international co-production is a key element.

Factual entertainment is a key genre in the international format business, but it covers a wide range of shows, and its definition is far from universal. We are totally open in terms of topics and are looking for content which explores a slice of life and blends factual or real-life information for entertainment purposes.  We’re open to a wide range of forms from highly constructed formats to social experiments, from lifestyle programs to docu-reality series which can be host or character-driven. We expect compelling narratives with a serialized arc and an ambition to keep global audiences hooked, week-on-week. 

We are particularly keen on projects which can connect with young viewers, and which reflect a more inclusive society. Paper formats and shows which have aired only in their domestic market (both linear or digital) are eligible provided they have the potential to travel abroad as a format (in this case, you should provide your format’s bible*). 

We are clearly not looking for game or competition shows. 

• Selection

6 projects will be selected in each of the 3 pitch sessions; 

• Commitment

Selected projects will be revealed mid-January 2025 and, once their participation is confirmed, they will receive their accreditation to LatAm Content Meeting (March 10-12, 2025 - Rio de Janeiro).
They must agree to follow the whole pitching journey.

• Mentoring

Once selected, each of the 18 projects will be offered mentoring sessions with Industry experts to prepare their video pitch, which should be sent to us before February 19^th, 2025.

• Project presentation which consists in:
  • A pre-recorded video pitch of 5’ (including trailer) aired on-site;
  • A 2’ live presentation, which should ideally focus on production issues (stage of production, financing secured and sought, expectations from the pitch etc.). The mentoring provided by Sunny Side will help you fine-tune your pitch;
  • Followed by an 7’ live Q&A session with Decisions Makers guided by seasoned moderators.

• Tailored individual meetings
  At least three tailored one-to-one meetings with Decision Makers will be organized according to your wishlist to get straight into creative and financial discussions.

• Awards
  • A jury of industry experts will select the best pitched project in each session. The three winners will receive a cash prize with the amount to be announced at a future date.  
  • Additional special prizes and festival invitations may be granted by industry partners.
• Publication

The information about the selected projects will be published in the LatAm Content Meeting resources made available to buyers and registered delegates. While you will have the opportunity to verify and update this information, please ensure that it is accurate when applying.

Projects Observatory

As part of the Sunny Side of the Doc pitches path, selected and winning projects will benefit from its Project Observatory. Indeed, Sunny Side of the Doc’s commitment goes far beyond the pitch. The objective is to support the development of your project all the way to its international distribution. The Projects Observatory allows our organization to monitor your progress and share your achievements with the international documentary community.

Selected projects will comply with the Call for project’s requests for information and for including its credit and logo where needed.