Sheffield DocFest has revealed the programme for its 33rd edition, with the theme Realities in Motion welcoming new family and immersive elements.
The leading documentary festival will span across various locations and venues throughout Sheffield, including cinemas, galleries and Hallam University faculties, from 10-15 June.
Angelie Pantilano, a Hallam media student, said: “I love that my university has a chance to be part of the festival.
“It brings an opportunity where filmmakers gather in a city that isn’t really traditional for the film industry compared to cities like London, where the opportunities to work in the industry are endless.”
The festival has announced its programme line-up, bringing over 100 events across the city and hosting daily film premiers of the latest International, European and UK documentaries before they reach streaming services.
This year, the programme has unveiled a brand new strand, GEN DocFest aimed for children, families and young people, with a range of themed events, activities and talks such as Wild Futures events and screening to celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday , and also a family rave celebrating the World Premier of Sheffield-based band Heaven 17’s new film.
Set to electrify the city, is the Alternative Realities programme, exploring gaming multi-worlds and immersive storytelling which is being showcased through a collaborative Sheffield Minecraft project, Sheffield of Stories.
In addition to the programme, Docfest announced their Guest of Honour, actress, Maxine Peake, where she will be hosting headline talks and presenting selected films.
Actor Maxine Peake said: “I adore Sheffield DocFest and the brilliant way it promotes and highlights documentary films and their makers.
“Documentary film is absolutely essential to human existence. It is able to mine and shine its focus on humanity and our lived experiences like no other medium can.”
Alongside these strands, will be showcasing films in Academy Award-accredited categories including the, International First Feature, International Short Film, Tim Hetherington award and Youth Jury Award.
The festival will also feature an audience-voted film audience award and will host industry pitching competitions such as The Whickers Film & TV Pitch.
Raul Niño Zambrano, creative director of Sheffield DocFest, said: “We are creating a unique space where the artistry on screen directly informs the vital industry dialogues of today.
“We are ensuring that our industry delegates are not just observers but active participants in the shifting landscape of global documentary storytelling.”
