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Sunny Side of the Doc, the global gathering and marketplace dedicated to both linear and non-linear documentary storytelling announced that Replica (produced by Axel Rise Films-Australia and The Why Foundation, Denmark) is the winner of the fourth edition of Global Pitch for Global Change, unfolded online on February 6th and 7th.

Sponsored by AJB DOC and Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, this edition centered around documentary projects addressing issues aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations.

The online event convened professionals under the overarching theme of "Docs for the Future." Participants engaged in the Meet the Sponsors session and two thought-provoking panels: "DOCA, IDA, DAE: Uniting Doc Forces for Professionals" and "How Big Issues Inform Programming Decisions?" featuring expert voices from the BBC, ARD/WDR, and ABC.

The caliber of projects and the depth of discussions have solidified Global Pitch as an eagerly anticipated annual online event within the international documentary community. It seamlessly aligns with the 2024 theme "Mapping the Future," which will be the focal point of the 35th anniversary edition of Sunny Side of the Doc, scheduled for June 24-27 in La Rochelle.

Out of 135 submissions, the 12 projects selected for the Official Selection were presented to a panel of esteemed decision-makers. Two projects captured the attention of the distinguished jury, composed of industry experts Patricia Finneran (The StoryBoard Collective, Switzerland), Mohamed Saïd Ouma (Documentary Africa Fund, Kenya), and Jane Mote (The Whickers, UK).

Jury's Statement: “Our award recognizes an essential narrative of post-modernity, unconditional love, and addiction. Replica is ironic, at times tragic, yet profoundly sensitive with well-crafted protagonists. Director Chouwa Liang demonstrates exceptional articulation, guiding viewers through poignant questions. The story's relevance extends beyond borders; it's a tale for our times, set in China but echoing universal themes crucial for global understanding. Congratulations to Director Chouwa LIANG and producer Andy Huang.”

“In an ingenious manner, through the personal lens of the director and the nuanced portrayal of three Chinese women's relationships with their AI companions, Replica delves into universal themes – love and companionship – while posing critical questions about the sustainability of a future where AI and technology infiltrate our personal lives. Gender dynamics, data privacy, and societal values underpin this poignant, original narrative,” remarks Mathieu Béjot, Director of Strategy and Development at Sunny Side of the Doc. “Kudos to director Chou-wa Liang and producer Andy Huang.”