Sheffield DocFest has unveiled the full programme for its 2026 edition, returning to the city from 10–15 June with a packed line-up of premieres, talks and immersive events.
Now in its 33rd year, the UK’s leading documentary festival will host more than 200 screenings and over 100 events across venues including the Showroom, Curzon and the Crucible. This year’s theme, Realities in Motion, brings together bold storytelling from around the world, spanning activism, artificial intelligence, climate justice and contemporary culture.
Among the global premieres and big-name subjects, there’s a strong Steel City thread running through the programme. A major highlight is the world premiere of Heaven 17: The Last Temptation, following the city’s synth-pop pioneers as they head out on what could be their final tour. The film promises a reflective look at legacy, ageing and the band’s enduring connection to Sheffield’s musical identity.
The city also takes centre stage in the festival’s expanded XR strand. Sheffield of Stories will transform Sheffield into a shared Minecraft world, co-created with local children and families. The interactive project invites visitors to build and explore a digital version of the city, blending gaming with documentary storytelling in a way that feels distinctly rooted in place.
Elsewhere, the festival opens with We, The Hated, offering insider access to Just Stop Oil protesters, while the wider programme includes more than 80 features and 24 shorts selected from nearly 3,000 submissions. Subjects range from Katie Price and Jesy Nelson to Billie Jean King and Eric Cantona.
Guest of honour Maxine Peake will also play a central role, presenting a curated selection of films and performing a live reading of her play Queens of the Coal Age alongside a collaboration with Sheffield electronic outfit the Eccentronic Research Council.
To view the full programme and purchase tickets, head to sheffdocfest.com.
