Are you aged 18-23, based in the UK, and have a passion for documentary and the media industry? This programme is for you! We are excited to announce that applications are open for our 2027 Youth Jury programme.
This free programme offers exciting opportunities for young people interested in pursuing a career in the film industry in fields varying from production to distribution, curation, film marketing and criticism. It is a tremendous chance to get hands on experience as part of an international film festival and jury.
You'll have your say on the best documentary films being made today by selecting the winner of our prestigious Youth Jury Award. Previous Youth Jury Award Winners have included Crocodile (2026), Runa Simi (2025), HAIYU - Rebel Singer Mariem Hassan and the Struggle for a Free Western Sahara (2024), Anhell69 (2023), Alis (2022), If god were a woman / Si dios fuera mujer (2021) and Baracoa (2019).
Past youth jurors have gone on to work with broadcasters including the BBC, Channel 4 and ITN; made shorts and feature length documentaries for commissioners including BBC Three; programmed films, produced panels for festivals and gone on to write for Sight & Sound magazine.
What's on offer?
- Successful applicants will attend a two-day Youth Jury Lab in London on 11 and 12 February 2027.
- During the Lab, the youth jury will meet leading organisations from across the industry of production, distribution, curation and exhibition of film.
- Youth Jurors will attend a further one day lab in April in Sheffield to meet other film professionals and gain an insight into Sheffield DocFest.
- Jurors will also receive a Festival Pass to attend Sheffield DocFest 2027.
- Jurors will attend screenings of the selected Youth Jury films and a deliberation during the Festival, selecting the winner of the Youth Jury Award 2027.
- Travel and accommodation costs will be covered for both the London Lab and Sheffield events.
Who can apply?
This programme is open to anyone aged 18-23 and based in the UK, with a passion for documentary and the media industry.
We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds, with no special qualifications or experience needed.
Availability
Jurors need to be available for the following activity:
- Interviews (online): 2-4 December 2026
- London Workshop: 11 and 12 February 2027
- Sheffield Workshop: April 2027 (exact date TBC)
- Festival: 9-14 June 2027
How to Apply
You can either complete a written or video application using the form below. The application deadline is 6 November 2026, 12:00 (Midday GMT).
If you have any enquiries regarding the programme, application process, or if you need to access the application form in an alternative format, please contact: recruitment@sheffdocfest.com
When applying, please avoid relying solely on AI tools (such as ChatGPT) to complete your application. Submissions that appear entirely AI-generated may not accurately represent your skills, experience, and suitability for the role and the organisation. We may decide to discount your answer if we believe it is solely generated by AI.
