Sheffield DocFest – the UK’s leading documentary festival and one of the world’s most influential markets for documentary projects – has revealed its full Film programme, Alternate Realities exhibitions, and public talks. The 30th edition of the Festival invites audiences and industry to ‘Spark Curiosity’ with documentary – and each other – in Sheffield.
This year’s film programme totals 122 films (86 features and 36 shorts), drawn from just under 2,500 entries, including 37 World Premieres, 20 International Premieres, 10 European Premieres, 47 UK Premieres and 8 retrospective films, from 52 countries of production. 54% of the films in the programme are directed by women.
Annabel Grundy, Sheffield DocFest Managing Director, said: “We are so happy to present a truly international, intersectional and innovative line-up of films and events as we celebrate our 30th edition. Sheffield DocFest has a long history of bringing new perspectives into the documentary arena, inspiring industry and audiences to immerse themselves and discover something new.”
Raul Niño Zambrano, Sheffield DocFest Creative Director, adds: “Covering the whole spectrum of documentary storytelling, from direct documentation of events to poetic experimental art works, and everything in between, the 2023 film programme is full of stories that will spark audience’s curiosity like never before. As a team we have selected the most thought provoking, cinematic and relevant works of recent non-fiction, and will proudly present them in June with the context and attention they deserve.”
Alex Cooke, Chair of the Board of Trustees, says: “We are delighted to celebrate our 30th edition with such a strong and varied line up. From humble beginnings, Sheffield Docfest continues to grow, helping to forge lasting careers, develop new talent, and facilitate exciting new works to be funded, produced, and exhibited. We are very grateful to our dedicated partners and sponsors for helping us to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and audiences, and to be so instrumental in promoting the thriving documentary culture we are so proud of.”
As previously announced, Sheffield DocFest opens with the World premiere of Tish, on 14 June 2023, an intimate portrait of British documentary photographer Tish Murtha, and her daughter’s fight to preserve her legacy. The film is also screening in the International Competition.
In Tish, Paul Sng celebrates the vision and profound humanism of this gifted artist. The film questions the value placed on art and artists from working class roots.
No less striking than the work of its subject, Tish is a powerful tribute to a vital artist, activist and social chronicler, and a rallying call to all whose engagement with art questions who gets seen and heard, who doesn’t, and why. This is a story of contemporary Britain, of the fight for culture, as well as the life of a mother and activist.
The festival previously announced that this year will have a special focus on Iran, which includes a retrospective of Guest of Honour Rakhshan Banietemad. Playing in tandem with the Iranian director’s films are a selection of new and vital documentaries.
They range from female filmmakers surveying the limitations placed on their lives and work, a reassessment of the male gaze in cinema and an account of the insidiousness of censorship, to a dark portrait of political interrogation and a celebration of friendship across two continents. Together, they explore the challenges of everyday life in Iran, but also hope for changes and a brighter future.
The festival is proud to support and celebrate all mediums of documentary and this year the programme includes presentations of two live podcast events.
It continues to evolve and this year and is thrilled to host 3 exclusive previews of the first episodes for new series . All events will include a conversation with the creators and special guests. Sheffield DocFest will also present nine public talks which will all be held at the Crucible Theatre.
A further announcement to complete the industry programme will follow on 17 May.
