Five selected documentary series are set to kick off the first session of Ex Oriente Series workshop in La Rochelle, France, from June 22–24, as part of the Sunny Side of the Doc. This is the third year that our workshop is being held in collaboration with one of the world’s leading marketplaces dedicated to linear and non-linear documentaries.
"Hosting the Ex Oriente Series workshop for the third consecutive year at Sunny Side of the Doc reflects our dedication to supporting the next generation of documentary storytellers, with the support of the Europe Creative MEDIA Programme. What's new this year is that, in addition to the tailored program designed by the Institute of Documentary Films, participants will benefit from a complementary pathway within our Sunny Academy. This collaborative approach allows diverse voices to immediately put into practice the advice received, take their first steps in our event, and effectively develop both their projects and professional networks – ultimately bringing fresh Central and Eastern European talents to the global documentary marketplace,” says Aurélie Reman, Managing Director, Sunny Side of the Doc.
Series participating in this year’s edition explore intimate personal narratives and pressing global issues across diverse regions. Hijacked Life traces the turbulent path of a Soviet hijacker seeking redemption; Grandpa was a genius reflects on the legacy and burden of musical heritage; World Divided travels through cities marked by conflict in search of healing; Justice as legalised terror investigates how justice systems can be turned against citizens; and When The Wind Blows follows workers driving Europe’s green transition from within.
You can find the full list of participating projects here.
Meet the tutors
Leading tutor
Participants will work under the guidance of the leading tutor Ruth Reid. She is a producer and consultant with over 20 years of experience in the film industry. Her work spans globally acclaimed films and series across streaming platforms, cinemas, festivals, galleries, and TV. In the past five years, she’s brought her expertise in-house to major global streamers – HBO and Netflix. Originally from the UK, she is now based between Copenhagen and Stockholm.
Guest tutors
The Sunny Side of the Doc edition of Ex Oriente Series welcomes a distinguished group of guest tutors—renowned professionals whose expertise spans storytelling, commissioning, production, and distribution. Among them is award-winning Dutch screenwriter and documentary director Chris Westendorp, whose work includes the acclaimed series Seven Little Criminals and Hidden, selected for CannesSeriés 2024. Joining her is Mark Edwards, a veteran producer and former Director of Documentaries for Netflix Europe, known for his involvement in landmark projects such as The Vietnam War and Exterminate All the Brutes. Italian-born, Berlin-based director and producer Lucio Mollica brings insight from a career devoted to contemporary history, with credits including the Grimme Prize-winning Afghanistan: The Wounded Land. Rounding out the lineup is Samuel Joyce, Acquisitions & Content Manager at TVF International, a documentary distribution leader, who also serves as a mentor and writer with a global perspective on factual storytelling.
Programme
With a packed and intensive schedule, the first session of Ex Oriente Series promises a deep dive into the art and industry of documentary series. The program will open with project presentations and a keynote by Ruth Reid on the foundations of episodic storytelling. Highlights include a lecture by Chris Westendorp on developing character arcs across episodes, and a case study by Lucio Mollica on showrunning Vietnam: The Birth of a Nation. Directors will focus on in-depth character work through the I Am My Character writing exercise, while producers will tackle key challenges such as financing, digital-first strategies, and international co-productions. Each team will also benefit from tailored one-on-one meetings with experienced tutors. In addition, participants will take part in networking sessions at Sunny Side of the Doc.
About Sunny Side of the Doc
Sunny Side of the Doc is the international community and marketplace dedicated to linear and non-linear documentary. Every June, a specific event brings together decision makers, producers, filmmakers, sales agents and funders to support the international financing of documentary projects and the circulation of completed programs. The 4-day market offers unique creative, business and networking opportunities for the 2,000+ participants from 60 countries through a mix of high-level pitching sessions, panels on the latest industry trends and an exhibition hall. The 36th Sunny Side of the Doc will take place in La Rochelle from June 23-26, 2025.
This edition is possible thanks to our donors: Creative Europe MEDIA, Ministry of Culture Czech Republic and the Czech Audiovisual Fund.
