Participation & Engagement Programme
From interactive workshops to special performances and exhibitions, our Participation & Engagement Programme offers inspiring, inclusive events for everyone.
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Alternate Realities: The Big Sheffield Build
Join us this May half-term for the Big Sheffield Build; interactive Minecraft workshops for ages 8-16!
  • Alternate Realities Programme
    Participation & Engagement Programme
Workshop
Stills
Black Delegation: Networking Drinks
Join us for drinks and a chance to create connections that could endure throughout the festival and beyond.
  • Industry Programme
    Participation & Engagement Programme
Industry Social
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Black Delegation: Nigerian Film Focus panel
An exploration of the various facets of filmmaking in Nigeria, including questions of funding, infrastructure, storytelling as a form of preservation, what the future holds, and much more.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Event
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Black Delegation: What does it mean to win in TV?
A candid conversation about redefining success in TV—from commercial hits and critical acclaim to ownership, authenticity and creative control.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Event
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DocFest Book Club in partnership with Juno Books
Join us at 7:30pm on Monday 15th June for a very special Juno Books and DocFest book club collaboration at Showroom Cinema Cafe.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Talk
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DocFest Fun Run
Join us for a 5km fun run around Sheffield. Meeting outside of the Delegate Centre (S1 2BX)
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Event
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FRONTLINEdance presents: The Explorers in Training!
The Explorers in Training! is an interactive live performance in which the performers and explorers embark on a wondrous adventure with the audience.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Event
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Heals: Craftivism Workshop
In this workshop, we will reflect on the film Heals and explore what identity means to us as individuals.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Workshop
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Heaven 17 Family Rave
Join us for a very special Heaven 17-themed family rave, hosted by Big Fish Little Fish - who have been helping parents be responsibly irresponsible since 2013.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Event
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Horrible Histories Goes Rogue: Time-Travellers Take Sheffield!
Ever wondered what the most famous (or infamous) villains, intellectuals and iconic historical leaders would get up to roaming around Sheffield city centre in 2026?
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Workshop
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Horrible Science: Tim Peake's Stinky Space Special Exclusive
Astronaut Tim Peake and Pipette journey into space to reveal how you go to the loo on suction toilets and that the drinking water is recycled wee.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Film
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The Indigenous Lens: Collaborative Filmmaking Workshop
A collaborative workshop with the team from If Not Us, Then Who?, an organisation supporting environmental leadership from Indigenous Peoples and local communities, exploring collaborative filmmaking practices.
  • Industry Programme
    Participation & Engagement Programme
Industry Session
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Looking Out of a Window - in partnership with ArtWorks Together Festival
Looking Out of a Window - in partnership with ArtWorks Together Festival, a new artwork from Sheffield resident Jodie Cooper.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Event
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Maybe Tomorrow: Memory, Art and Justice with Wafa Mustafa & Waad al-Kateab
Join us for a special public event marking the world premiere of Maybe Tomorrow at Sheffield DocFest.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Event
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Mental Health Advice & Drop In
Mental Health Check Ins - available to anyone who needs support.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Event
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Mini Doc: Something I Want You To Know Showcase
Join us for a showcase at Sheffield DocFest, celebrating films made by filmmakers with learning disabilities and/or autism as part of the ArtWorks Together partnership Mini Doc: Something I Want You To Know.
  • Film Programme
    Participation & Engagement Programme
Shorts Film Programme
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Mini Doc: Something I Want You To Know... Relaxed Networking Drinks
Following the Mini Doc, Something I Want You To Know showcase, audiences are invited to join the teams behind the films for a networking drinks.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Workshop
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Neighbourhood Voices Choir Performance
Join us for a live performance from Neighbourhood Voices Choir
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Event
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Reskill Upskill: Bookable Career Coaching with Fiona O'Sullivan
Industry passholders are invited to attend a free 60- minute coaching session with Fiona O'Sullivan.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
    Industry Programme
Workshop
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Reskill Upskill: From Idea to Edit: AI Tools for Documentary Makers
A beginner-friendly workshop for documentary makers exploring how AI tools can support projects at every stage – from idea development and research through to production and editing.
  • Industry Programme
    Participation & Engagement Programme
Workshop
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Reskill Upskill: Screen to Stream: Podcasting for Docs People
A talk for documentary makers on how their storytelling skills could transfer to audio and why now's a good time to try.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
    Industry Programme
Workshop
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Root to Rise: A Morning Yoga Class with Maddie
Start your festival morning the best way possible - moving, breathing and waking up from the inside out.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Event
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A Seat at the Table: Community Dinner on Paternoster Row
Harness the power of community dining, and join us for a festival dinner on Paternoster Row.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Event
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Sharing Circle hosted by Film In Mind
Film In Mind will host a sharing circle open to festival attendees, staff and volunteers who are seeking a moment of reflection, connection and togetherness at the end of their DocFest experience.
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Event
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Somatic Stories: Mapping Movements and Memories
After the screening, we warmly invite you to join a movement workshop to explore what it means to be a witness. 
  • Participation & Engagement Programme
Workshop

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