The 2024 edition of Sunny Side of the Doc, La Rochelle’s international documentary marketplace, ran from 24-27 June. Here, we present details of three interesting projects that were introduced at the Nouvelle Aquitaine-based gathering.

London You Don’t Know Me – Ivan Korvin, Katia Kuznetsova (Portugal)
This documentary feature is set on the bustling streets of London, where Dean, a young Irish man, navigates life with a hidden secret – he is homeless. He puts on a façade of normalcy while nurturing dreams of restoring his family ties. The naïve and trusting Dean’s optimism shines through despite his irresponsible tendencies. With a plan to reclaim his ID, Dean’s hopes soar that it’ll solve his woes. Yet, faced with unforeseen challenges, he finds himself unable to see it through. Desperate to maintain ties with his family and spend Christmas with his girlfriend, he grapples with lingering childhood wounds amidst his journey.

Elaborating on the reasons why the team embarked on this timely project, they say: “Young, homeless people have emerged in a digital era, equipped with the internet, social-media accounts and smartphones. Lacking family support, meaningful social connections or the skills to seek aid, they find themselves uniquely vulnerable. Existing support systems for the homeless, administered by both government and private charitable organisations, often fail to address this ‘new’ form of homelessness. While they offer crucial assistance such as free food and shelter, they don’t adequately cater to the distinct needs of young, homeless people – long-term psychological support and social engagement.” The pitch deck lists other potential episodes unfolding in Paris, Milan, Berlin, San Diego and Tokyo.

“We aim to complete post-production within one month and a half upon receipt of the funds. €30,000 were generously provided by a private philanthropist, and we plan to launch a crowdfunding campaign to complete post, yet we need partnerships to develop a large-scale impact campaign,” the team further explains. The two helmers are producing the film for Lisbon-based Korvin Production LDA, and Korvin is also lensing it. Evgeniya Vinpal serves as the impact producer.

Tales and Sentences by Alexandre Donot-Saby

Tales and Sentences – Alexandre Donot-Saby (France)
This feature-length doc follows US filmmaker Nora Gruber, one of the few specialists in “sentencing films”. Hired to defend convicted criminals, Gruber seeks to tell their unique stories, as well as the context that led them to commit their crimes. Theft, drug trafficking, embezzlement… These films are not intended to be seen by millions of viewers, but by one, and only one: the judge. The hope is to obtain a sentence adjustment or even remission. At once split between investigator, lawyer and filmmaker, Gruber travels the United States, far from her husband and son, who remain in Portland. The team bills the film as “a reflection on cinema, its social role and justice, in an America where money is often the sinews of war, and where the truth is worth as much as the art of telling a good story”.

The project entered production last October and is slated for a release in November 2025. Paris-based Little Big Story is producing with backing from PROCIREP – ANGOA, the CNC and Scam – Bourse Brouillon d’un rêve repérage. The final estimated budget is €350,000, and the team is seeking distributors, sales agents, co-producers, broadcasters, regional funds and festival premieres.

Proserpine and the Others. Gender Violence in Western Art by Mariangela Barbanente

Proserpine and the Others. Gender Violence in Western Art – Mariangela Barbanente (Italy)
“Is art simply a reflection of society, or does it actively shape our collective consciousness? Violence against women often gets overshadowed by the magnificence of great masterpieces, and it is a topic gaining heightened attention in the modern world. Many great artists have perpetuated the image of women as objects of male desire – a desire that, when unrequited, often escalates to depictions of rape,” reads the official synopsis of the 52-minute, 4K doc project.

“Our documentary aims to look past the beauty of the images, analysing that instant fixed on canvas or carved in marble just before the violence happens. Our exploration spans different eras, themes and inspirations, also meeting great female artists who depicted the violated female body, reflecting an awareness that is becoming increasingly prominent in contemporary society,” the team explains.

Penned by Barbanente herself in co-operation with Consuelo Lollobrigida, the project is a GA&A Productions presentation in collaboration with Rai Cultura. It is budgeted at €303,000, with €204,000 already in place. The team is looking for co-producers and broadcasters. Delivery is slated for October 2024.