News

An image of film professionals networking at Sheffield DocFest.

Applications open for Amplify: Production Talent 2026

Applications are now open for Amplify: Production Talent 2026, our initiative for emerging production professionals to help elevate careers and support networking supported by BBC, Channel 4 and ScreenSkills.

Published on April 9

A collage showing some of the speakers and events which are part of Sheffield DocFest 2026.

Sheffield DocFest announces first launch of programme for June 2026 festival ‘Realities In Motion’

Sheffield DocFest has announced the initial line up for this year’s festival. The 2026 edition of Sheffield DocFest, ‘Realities in Motion’, will take over Sheffield from 10 - 15 June, featuring this year’s Festival Guest of Honour Maxine Peake, Miriam Margolyes, Chris Packham, Andrea Arnold, alongside a special event dedicated to one of the world’s most famous living documentary makers, Sir David Attenborough.

News, Press, Arts

Published on April 7

A group of people attending Sheffield DocFest walk through a park.

Announcing our From Door to Doc fundraising programme

Our From Door to Doc fundraising programme creates accessible pathways to Sheffield DocFest for people who might otherwise be unable to attend. We remove barriers like travel expenses, ticket costs, and the feeling that cultural events aren't 'for them'.

Join us in making Sheffield DocFest accessible to all. Support From Door to Doc by donating, sharing, or spreading the word.

News, Community

Published on March 31

A graphic of our David Attenborough competition.

Sir David Attenborough at 100: Create a Birthday Card Competition!

In partnership with Sheffield Libraries, we're inviting young artists across Sheffield to create a birthday card to celebrate Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday!

Arts, Community, News

Published on March 27

An image from last year's Climate Spring event, with this year's titles on it.

Climate Spring Digital-First Pitch 2026 now open for applications

The Climate Spring Digital-First Pitch returns for 2026, with four Sheffield DocFest pitch slots and a £10,000 prize for the winner up for grabs.

News, Industry

Published on March 24

A joyous group of people taking a selfie with their hands raised in celebration.

Applications open for newly expanded Filmmaker Challenge 2026!

Returning for 2026, we will select and support six filmmakers to make a short documentary in and around Sheffield during the festival.

Industry, News

Published on March 18

Meet Our 2026 Youth Jury

Meet the five young film enthusiasts that will make up our Youth Jury cohort for Sheffield DocFest's 33rd edition in 2026.

News, Film, Industry, Community

Published on March 3

Panel of people sat on chairs on stage with a woman stood at a lectern facing away from the camera on the right.

The Channel 4 First Cut Pitch is back for 2026!

News, Industry

Published on February 26

A collage of the 4 film programme consultants and the 21 film programme advisers for Sheffield DocFest 2026.

Introducing our 2026 Film Programme Team, Programme Consultants & Advisers

We are delighted to announce our 2026 Film Programme Team as well as our team of Programme Consultants and Advisers, who will be selecting films for our 33rd edition, taking place 10-15 June.

News, Film

Published on January 30

2026 Youth Jury

Our 2026 Youth Jury Programme is open for applications! If you are aged 18-23, based in the UK, and have a passion for documentary and the media industry, this is the programme for you. Apply by 9 January 2026, 12:00 GMT to take part.

News, Film, Community

Published on November 3

People surrounded by greenery at a busy drinks reception. In the centre of the photo two people looking at each other smile widely. The person on the left is holding a film poster rolled up in their hand.

2026 Film Entries

Film entries are now open for the 33rd Edition of Sheffield DocFest, which will take place from Wednesday 10 June - Monday 15 June 2026.

Published on September 11

Blue, pink and purple abstract graphic sits in the background. On top of the graphic in mint green bold font reads 'join us in 2026' and underneath in the same font in white reads '10 - 15 June'

Announcing our 2026 dates

Following on from a successful 32nd edition, we're delighted to announce our 2026 festival dates which will run from 10-15 June 2026. Industry Passes are now on sale at the discounted Lightning rate of £200 + VAT until 15 October 2025.

Published on July 16

Grenfell: Uncovered director Olaide Sadiq, pictured with Festival Creative Director Raul Niño Zambrano smile as they stand against a bright pink and white branded backdropat Sheffield DocFest 2025

Grenfell: Uncovered wins Audience Award at the 2025 Sheffield DocFest

We are thrilled to announce the winner of the 2025 Audience Award

Published on June 23

A branded image reading: Sheffield DocFest 2025 Award Winners

Announcing 2025 Sheffield DocFest Award Winners

We are delighted to announce this year’s winners presented during the awards ceremony at Sheffield’s Crucible Playhouse this evening.

Published on June 22

A DocFest audience giving a standing ovation

Love documentaries? Become a Member

Join a community of people who love all things documentary.

Published on June 16

Announcing the Channel 4 First Cut Pitch Finalists

We are thrilled to announce the finalists for the Channel 4 First Cut Pitch.

Published on June 13

Four headshots of Climate Spring finalists

Announcing the Climate Spring Documentary Pitch Finalists

We are thrilled to announce the finalists for the Climate Spring Pitch.

Published on June 12

Filmmaker Challenge Cohort

We are thrilled to announce the cohort for this year’s Filmmaker Challenge, supported by Principal Sponsor Prime Video.

Published on June 6

Photos of our jurors. Top row L-R: Andrew Jarecki, Rémi Grellety, Tomoko Okutsu, Alexandre Marionneau, Anna Berthollet Middle row L-R: Geeta Gandbhir, Afsaneh Salari, Kim A. Snyder, Yulan Chang, Horia El Hadad Bottom row L-R: Jenny Horwell, Kethiwe Ngcobo, Joseph Cutts, Lisa Brook, Judi Alston

Announcing the Juries for our 32nd Edition

We are excited to announce our Jury Members for this years’ International Competition, International First Feature Competition, International Short Film Competition, the Tim Hetherington Award, the International Alternate Realities Competition, alongside our previously announced members of the Youth Jury

Announcing the Juries for our 32nd Edition

Published on June 3