Sunny Side of the Doc 2025 | RDVCANADA | Docs 2025
CALL FOR PROJECTS
Online | April to June 2025
Onsite at Sunny Side of the Doc 2025 | La Rochelle, France, From June 23rd to 26, 2025
(Documentary producers with a documentary project in the development stage (one-off or series))
WHY PARTICIPATE IN RDVCANADA | DOCS?
Aiming to help Canadian producers of various genres expand into foreign markets and do business internationally, this RDVCANADA series of training programs was created by Telefilm Canada and the Trade Commissioner back in 2020. RDVCANADA | Docs 2025 is the third iteration of the program dedicated to documentary content. You can learn more about the 2024 edition here.
The 2025 RDVCANADA | Docs initiative is organized by Telefilm Canada and the Canada Media Fund, in collaboration with Sunny Side of the Doc, and in partnership with Black Screen Office, Creative BC, Ontario Creates and SODEC.
From April to June 2025, the selected Canadian producers will embark in two months of personalized mentorship and training (with a focus on international co-production and distribution – as well as pitching) in order to get ready to pitch their project to their future international partners.
The selected participants will then attend Sunny Side of the Doc from June 23 to 26, 2025. Set in sunny La Rochelle, France, the 36-year old market brings together the international documentary community in all its forms for an unmissable 4-day event. The event attracts over 2,200 participants from more than 70 countries and aims to support the financing and international co-production of projects, as well as the distribution of completed programs. In addition to Sunny Side’s rich program, the RDVCANADA | Docs cohort will participate in a series of networking activities with producers from key countries and exclusive meetings with decision makers.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria:
- be a Canadian controlled corporation, as determined under sections 26 to 28 of the Investment Canada Act;
- be represented during the initiative by a producer that is a Canadian citizen within the definition of the Citizenship Act or a permanent resident within the definition of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
- have its head office in Canada and carry out its activities in Canada;
- operate as an audiovisual production company;
- have produced at least two documentary projects distributed in theaters, broadcasted on a platform, conventional television station or selected in a festival;
- have a documentary project in the development stage (one-off or series) that could become an international co-production or intended for sale internationally;
- hold financial and creative control of the presented project, together with all copyrights and options necessary for its development and exploitation;
- must be available to attend a series of online training workshops and mentoring consultations between April and June 2025 – between 5 and 10 sessions total;
- must be available to attend Sunny Side of the Doc in person which will take place in La Rochelle, France from June 23 to 26, 2025.
Important note: Telefilm will offer one (1) complementary badge for Sunny Side of the Doc per producer selected. Telefilm Canada will not cover travel costs. Canadian producers can contact their provincial or professional organizations for travel financial assistance – subject to eligibility or pre-approved application (i.e.: Ontario Creates’ Global Market Development program, Creative BC’s Passport to Markets program).
*Please read the rules and regulations carefully here before applying (English only)*
The entire application process takes place via the Sunny Side of the Doc projects submission platform (English only) and must be completed in English only.
SELECTION PROCESS
Telefilm Canada will select up to eight (8) applicants to participate in this initiative. Projects will be evaluated and selected by a jury of industry professionals and decision-making will be based on qualitative information in order to select the projects with the best potential to eventually (i) be produced as international treaty co-production between Canada and other foreign countries, and/or (ii) be sold in international markets. The following criteria will serve as a guide, and no specific weighting will be attributed to each of the components:
- Track record of the applicant production company;
- Strength and originality of story and narrative;
- Relevance and potential for international co-production and sales;
- Financial feasibility;
- The Applicant’s objectives and motivations for participating in the initiative.
Moreover, decision-making will take into consideration Telefilm Canada’s objective to foster a diversity of voices in the audiovisual industry. As such, Telefilm Canada may prioritize applications from certain regions of Canada.
MORE INFORMATION
If you have any questions about your eligibility or the program, please do not hesitate to contact Constance Richard, Consultant and Program Supervisor, RDVCANADA | Docs 2025.
Promotion and Communications
Telefilm Canada, Montreal
DL-Festivals@telefilm.ca
1 800 567-0890