We invite a diverse range of communities, schools, and grassroots organisations into the heart of what we do at Sheffield DocFest.
From hands-on workshops and special screenings at the festival and year-round, our events create pathways for people to make, watch, and respond to film together.
Through initiatives such as our Local Advisory Group and year-round filmmaking projects, we champion diverse forms of participation that nurture creativity, curiosity, and meaningful engagement.
What's On?
School Screenings
Sheffield DocFest's 2026 programme will include a number of screenings open exclusively to school groups, followed by a Q&A on careers in the film and TV industry which will help your students to understand more about working in documentaries and/or film.
There will also be an opportunity for school groups to tour our Virtual Reality cinema, and try out technology exploring new types of documentary through VR headsets.
Find out more
DocNights at Showroom Cinema, Sheffield
Each month, we collaborate with Showroom Cinema to bring one documentary from the DocFest archive to Sheffield's independent cinema.
View upcoming screenings
DocFest Spotlights at Bertha DocHouse, London
Each month, we collaborate with Bertha DocHouse to bring one documentary from the DocFest archive to our partner cinema in DocHouse.
View Upcoming Screenings
Library Screenings
We work with Sheffield Libraries to host regular screenings from the Sheffield DocFest archive, designed to be accessible to our local community.
View upcoming Library Screenings
Rotherham Children's Capital of Culture Events
Sheffield DocFest has partnered with Rotherham Children's Capital of Culture to deliver an exciting programme of events.
Led by our two trainees, Tom and Fin, these community events surrounding documentary screenings will explore the theme ‘togetherness’.
Find out more
Our Local Advisory Group
As part of our ongoing mission to make our festival welcoming, accessible and enjoyable to all, our Local Advisory Group scheme invites people from across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire to attend the festival in June and provide feedback on their experience.
Our Local Advisory Group scheme runs on a two-yearly basis. Applications to join our next cohort will open later this year.
Meet our current Local Advisory Group
AR Exhibition Tours
We provide interactive AR exhibition tours for schools and community groups during Sheffield DocFest week.
Details of our 2026 AR exhibitions will be announced soon. If you'd like to find out more about our tours, get in touch below.
Email getinvolved@sheffdocfest.com
Short film screenings at Deer Shed Festival 2025
We're delighted to be teaming up with Deer Shed Festival to bring three short films from the Sheffield DocFest catalogue to their family-friendly event in North Yorkshire in July 2026.
Make sure you stay tuned for the announcement of our chosen shorts!
Find out more
