Docs business mourns Yves Jeanneau

Yves Jeanneau, CEO and cofounder of Sunny Side of the Doc, Latin Side of the Doc and Asian Side of the Doc, has passed away at the age of 69.

Yves Jeanneau

Jeanneau died suddenly on November 14 in La Rochelle, surrounded by his loved ones.

A pioneer for international coproductions, Jeanneau always showed support for documentary and for those who perfected the craft.

He founded Sunny Side of the Doc in La Rochelle 30 years ago this year. The event brought together broadcasters, decision-makers, investors, distributors, content creators and producers from the world over.

Industry positions held included managing director of French prodco Les Films d’Ici from 1984 to 2000, head of docs at Pathé Televisions, and head of the documentary department at public broadcaster France 2.

A spokesman for Sunny Side said: “He was dedicated to championing creative documentary content in all its forms and actively campaigned for many years to build bridges between producers and international broadcasters, linear documentaries and digital experiences – even integrating cultural mediation venues into the heart of the marketplace.

“With a strong passion for Asia, he worked towards professionalising the industry and building an Asian documentary market with Asian Side of the Doc, which has taken place in China, Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia, building successful creative partnerships between Asian and European industry professionals.

“Since celebrating Sunny Side of the Doc’s 30th anniversary – which was one of the most memorable editions in terms of recognition and attendance figures, Yves Jeanneau had already imagined the programme for the years to come. Teeming with ideas, he wanted to open up to new talent and to as many people as possible – without losing this unique marketplace’s DNA. He wished to put the theme of History at the heart of the next festival edition.”

Next year’s Sunny Side of the Doc is scheduled to take place from June 22 to 25, in La Rochelle.