International Competition
Honouring films that best display strong artistic vision and courageous storytelling. The Grand Jury Award for the International Competition is Academy Award accredited.
See the films![Image of a young child sat in a car. She is holding up a written sign on a piece of paper.](https://cdn.sheffdocfest.com/sites/default/files/styles/16_9/public/2023-05/InternationalCompetition1.png?itok=X0PVF3I_)
International First Feature Competition
This competition honours the future of non-fiction film and celebrates promising talent.
See the films![A woman sits on a stone wall. In the background, another woman sits on a balcony above a pile of rocks.](https://cdn.sheffdocfest.com/sites/default/files/styles/16_9/public/2023-05/FirstFeature1_0.jpg?itok=h0o7xo2S)
International Short Film Competition
This competition honours the best creative approach to documentary under 40 minutes. The Grand Jury Award for the International Short Film Competition is a BAFTA, Academy Award and BIFA-accredited award.
See the films![Four photos are pegged to a clothes line, creating a black and white portrait of a woman.](https://cdn.sheffdocfest.com/sites/default/files/styles/16_9/public/2023-05/ShortCompetition3.jpg?itok=_rEMZxJ6)
Tim Hetherington Award
Photojournalist and filmmaker Tim Hetherington was committed to humanitarian and social concerns throughout the world. This award recognises films that best reflect his legacy.
![Women sat at a desk follow a teacher writing equations on the board. Another woman holds a camera.](https://cdn.sheffdocfest.com/sites/default/files/styles/16_9/public/2023-05/TimH.jpg?itok=kJ0dJgp-)
International Alternate Realities Competition
The Alternate Realities exhibition showcases innovative non-fiction and immersive documentary in all forms. Taking place at Site Gallery, the exhibition is free and open to all throughout the festival dates.
Explore the works A-Z![A male silhouette against an aquarium.](https://cdn.sheffdocfest.com/sites/default/files/styles/16_9/public/2023-05/Doclab_0_0.png?itok=nYZgst_u)
Youth Jury Award
This award is selected by some of the UK's most passionate young documentary lovers.
![A masked group pose for a selfie outside a building at night.](https://cdn.sheffdocfest.com/sites/default/files/styles/16_9/public/2023-05/Anhell69_Still_1.jpg?itok=uS50jzPt)
Audience Award
The Sheffield DocFest audience have the opportunity to cast their vote at cinemas and venues for their favourite films and works - every feature film in the programme is eligible for the FIlm Audience Award.
![An audience sits in a dark cinema.](https://cdn.sheffdocfest.com/sites/default/files/styles/16_9/public/2023-05/_DSC7009_Nick%20Hardy.jpg?itok=-8pKuXGA)