Every year, Sunny Side of the Doc brings together a collection of groundbreaking documentary projects that tackle important global issues. The 2024 edition of the event is no exception, as it unveils a remarkable lineup of projects vying for the Global Pitch for Global Change award.
Diverse Projects, Common Goal
The selected projects delve into various topics related to the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. These thought-provoking documentaries shed light on pressing issues affecting our world, from environmental sustainability to social justice.
A Global Stage for Impactful Stories
On February 6th and 7th, the 12 chosen projects will be presented to influential decision-makers from renowned organizations such as NRTVE, IDA, S4C, BBC, PBS, and many others. This two-day online event, sponsored by AJB DOC Film Festival and Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, sets the stage for the upcoming 35th anniversary edition of Sunny Side of the Doc.
Embracing the Future of Documentaries
The in-person international documentary marketplace, set to take place from June 24th to 27th in La Rochelle, France, will focus on the future of the ecosystem and the documentary genre itself. It aims to explore new horizons, push boundaries, and pave the way for exciting storytelling techniques.
Ahmed Mahfouz Nouh, managing director of Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, emphasizes the importance of the Global Pitch platform in documenting the journey towards sustainable development. He invites viewers to appreciate our planet, understand its challenges, and be part of the solution.
A Global Perspective
This year’s Global Pitch received over 130 projects from 45 countries, with two-thirds of the selected projects coming from first or second-time filmmakers. Mathieu Béjot, director of strategy and development at Sunny Side of the Doc, applauds the incredible diversity and high quality of the projects received. He notes that these documentaries reflect the acute awareness people around the world have of the major issues we face today.
Making an Impact
The winning project, chosen by a jury of industry experts, will receive a cash prize of €3,000 ($3,280) and two free market passes for Sunny Side of the Doc. The jury members include Jane Mote (The Whickers), Patricia Finneran (The StoryBoard Collective), and Mohammed Saïd Ouma (Documentary Africa Fund). They will carefully select the project that best embodies the spirit of global change.
The Global Pitch for Global Change Projects
Here’s a glimpse into some of the exceptional projects competing for the prestigious award:
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Camels of the Sea: This documentary from Elefant Films (India) explores the clash between extractive capitalism and a pastoralist family’s traditional way of life in India’s journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
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For Venida, For Kalief: Abstract Nomadic Media (U.S.) presents the inspiring story of Venida Browder and her son Kalief, whose tragic deaths became a catalyst for the movement for incarceration reform.
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Forgotten Land: Purple Mango Pictures Limited (Kenya) takes us on a journey through the challenges faced by a young Maasai student and their family as they rebuild their lives after a devastating drought.
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Plastic Love!: Sybilla Patrizia (Japan) uncovers the unsustainable practices that have made Japan one of the world’s worst plastic polluters, challenging us to find radical solutions for a plastic-free future.
These projects, along with others in the selection, tackle pressing global issues and offer fresh perspectives on the world we live in.
To learn more about the Global Pitch for Global Change projects and the upcoming Sunny Side of the Doc event, visit F5mag.com.