The China Pavilion is supporting international co-productions and unveiling new European and international collaborations at Sunny Side of the Doc, for the eighth consecutive year. The event, organized by China Intercontinental Communication Center, highlights China’s presence in the global documentary industry.
Participants in this year’s China Pavilion include China Media Group (CMG), China Intercontinental Communication Center, Shandong Radio and Television Bureau, Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation, and various other media organizations and production companies from across China.
Two main events are scheduled for June 24 to showcase new partnerships and co-productions:
- «China Hour» Themed Event: From 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in the Grand Auditorium, participating organizations will present partnership proposals, introduce their works, and announce their latest cooperation plans. The event aims to help international organizations understand China’s development trends and cooperation needs in documentaries, promoting international co-productions and media collaboration. Pitch projects being presented include Voy Boys, Deep in My Brain, The Moon Is Yours, Letter to Yangtze River, Seed on the Border, and Diary of Biosphere Reserves. Featured program highlights include Wetlands, Our Land, Creatures’ Wonderland, Walking with the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Food Markets around the World, The Way of Tea: A Journey to Harmony, and Photo Albums from a Century Ago.
- «China Night» Special Event: In the evening of June 24, at the Maritime Museum of La Rochelle, this event will gather guests from international TV broadcasters, new media organizations, global distributors, and film and television production agencies. Chinese and international organizations will announce and showcase the outcomes of their collaborations. This event also aims to provide insights into global market trends and promote media cooperation, particularly between China and France.
- A selection of major co-production projects will be jointly unveiled by Chinese and international partners, including Geographical Discovery: Exploring the Hanzhong Sinkhole Cluster, The Great Yellow River Delta II, Wing Chun, and Restless Farewell, along with the global promotion event Friendly Shandong, Hometown of Confucius.
Featured projects in the spotlight:
- Geographical discovery of the 21st century: The Hanzhong Sinkhole Group (1×52′): A co-production between CCTV9 (China) and Bellota Films (France), directed by Laurent Chalet (France). This production explores the discovery of a super sinkhole group in Hanzhong City, China, described as a significant geographical discovery. The film aims to reflect on humanity’s relationship with nature, shot in 4K and 8K.
- Diary of Biosphere Reserves (2×45′): A multi-season nature history and wildlife documentary series coproduced by China Intercontinental Communication Center (CICC) and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Each season features 8 Biosphere Reserves, with anthropologist Dr. Marta Neskovic exploring stories with residents, staff, and scientists. The series connects to the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program.
- Wetlands, Our Land (2×26′): A nature documentary co-produced by Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation and local publicity departments. It tracks migratory birds along the East Asia-Australasia route, showcasing Tiaozini wetlands and filming locations in Russia, Singapore, and New Zealand. The documentary aims to promote the protection of migratory birds and highlight harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. It received the «Outstanding Domestic Documentary of 2024» award from China’s National Radio and Television Administration.
- Life at the Yellow River Delta, Season 2 (2×44′): Co-produced by China Intercontinental Communication Center (CICC), National Geographic Channel, Shandong Television, and IFA Media. This series explores the Yellow River Delta’s ecosystems across four seasons, focusing on wildlife adaptation and iconic species like the Red-crowned Crane. It is scheduled to premiere in the second half of this year on National Geographic Channel.
- Wing Chun: the heritage of the world (1×52′ / 1×90′): China’s first themed animated documentary, co-produced by China Real Image Media and One & All Culture Dev. (China), in collaboration with Realworks (France). The film explores the history and global spread of Wing Chun, a martial art practiced in over 80 countries. A European exchange tour in 2024 aimed to reaffirm Wing Chun as a cultural bridge across Eurasia.
