Best ‘New Voices’ at #SSD23 Awarded

Al Jazeera Documentary Channel & AJB DOC Film Festival as sponsors of the New Voices pitch at the Sunny Side of the Doc 2023 awarded best projects.

Within the ‘New Voices’ pitch at the Sunny Side of the Doc 2023, being held in La Rochelle, France, there were 6 documentary projects looking for funding & partners, pitching to a targeted audience of buyers and commissioners. Each project presentation was followed by an open Q&A with international decision makers, guided by an experienced moderator.

‘Life in the Shadows’ pitched by Ilyas Yourish/ K. D. and produced by Kamay Film (Afghanistan) was awarded with Special Prize Pitch and the cash prize endowed by the Al Jazeera Documentary & AJB DOC + IMZ Award.

Logline: Years after his classmates were massacred at his school in Pakistan, K.D. records the lives of Machid, who attends the same school, and Khatima, who works in the cemetery where the dead students are buried.

Jury consisted of three members: Judy Rymer (Rymer Childs), Ann Shin (Fathom Film) and Mohamed ElMongy (Al Jazeera) decided on the best projects.

Jury’s decision stated: “This is a project we want to see on screens because it tells a story that bridges the gap between the past and present, classical and contemporary cultures, and the Arabic and Western worlds. The main character is compelling as she serves as a true ambassador for her generation. The pitch was well-prepared and successfully involved the character in the presentation, showcasing her deep involvement in the entire project.”

Project ‘The rabbis’ intifada’ pitched by Heather Tenzer and produced by Gefilte Fish Films (United States) was awarded Special Prize by Al Jazeera Documentary & AJB DOC and invitation to AJD Industry Days @AJB DOC in Sarajevo, that will be held in September 2023.

Logline: An American Jewish progressive follows 4 rabbis from New York & Jerusalem as they speak out in cities around the world in support of Palestinian liberation. She attempts to share their story with her former religious community. But will anyone listen? A Jewish uprising against Israeli apartheid, it’s filmed in 9 countries.

Commenting on the event Adel Ksiksi, Manager of Programming at the Aljazeera Documentary Channel stated: “AJB DOC Film Festival & Al Jazeera Documentary Channel are devoted to finding and presenting new documentary voices to the world. Long-term partnership with Sunny side of the Doc is helping us be on the right path. Many great projects can be found there, and we are proud to be sponsors of the New voices pitch.”

Congratulations to winners of the New Voices and the SSD23 on their great organization of the event.