Sheffield DocFest is the UK’s leading documentary festival and one of the world’s most influential markets for documentary projects.
We champion and present the breadth of documentary form – film, television, podcast, immersive and art – in the vibrant city of Sheffield each June. We offer makers and audiences a place for inspiration, debate, development, learning and challenge. Our programming represents our core values – creativity, empathy, freedom, inclusivity and internationalism.
Sheffield DocFest 2026 will run from Wednesday 9 June - Monday 14 June 2027.
Film Programme
Our Film Programme offers filmmakers a place for inspiration, debate and challenge, and an international platform to launch their work. It engages audiences with a multitude of forms, ideas, ways of doing and thinking, through World, International, European and UK premieres and through curated retrospective programmes.
Sheffield DocFest looks to question the boundaries of documentary through a programme that challenges trends, brings diversity and enriches debate. The festival invites audiences to engage with experiences and stories from different parts of the world and to join makers in inspiring moments.
Alternate Realities Programme
Alternate Realities is Sheffield DocFest's programme for exhibiting and showcasing innovative non-fiction and immersive documentary in all forms.
Whether using new technologies or creative techniques which break the boundaries of traditional documentary practice, the Alternate Realities programme highlights the bravest developments in non-fiction by artists, technologists and documentarians.
Platforms considered for exhibition include virtual (VR), augmented (AR) and mixed reality (MR), 360 video, moving image, sound art, web interactives, artificial intelligence, games and performance.
Industry Programme
The Industry Programme is the space within the festival for supporting the creation of new work, and discussing together the ways in which new work is made. Our flagship pitching forum, the MeetMarket, connects selected teams with a vast network of international industry representatives to present new projects (features and series). The Alternate Realities Talent Market runs in parallel to facilitate partnerships for teams presenting non-fiction new-media projects. The Amplify: Production Talent initiative is for entry-level production professionals to elevate their careers, and connect with UK-based production company execs.
We also host several live pitches where filmmakers can gain funding and constructive feedback from industry experts. We also host an array of panel discussions on key topics relevant to industry delegates. We welcome delegates from all levels of experience and all territories to engage with our Industry Programme. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any help navigating it.
Click here to find out more about our Industry Marketplace and initiatives.
Participation & Engagement
At Sheffield DocFest, we believe documentary film and art should be open, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone.
From community engagement projects and dedicated workshops to targeted talent schemes, our strands of Participation & Engagement work are designed to broaden access, nurture talent, and celebrate community creativity year-round.
You will find information about workshops, how to get involved, courses that we're running and training opportunities by visiting our Participation & Engagement Hub below.
We're a charity
Sheffield DocFest is run by International Documentary Festival Sheffield, an independent registered charity (no.1184849), whose purpose is to advance the art of film, education and training in documentary filmmaking. Our core values as a charity centre around empathy, inclusiveness, social engagement, freedom and internationalism.
You can help us continue our work by becoming a member and receive exclusive access and perks, or make a donation to help us keep documentary culture alive and secure the long-term future of Sheffield DocFest.
