Doc/Fest Blog
The UKFC Closing
By Charlie Phillips 28 July, 2010
As you have no doubt heard if you go anywhere near film news, the UK Film Council is to be shot in the back of the head. A gradual phase-out of the UKFC starts now, ending around April 2012, after which we'll see wither a fade to total black, or (if we're lucky, and we probably won't be) a sudden switch to glorious technicolor.
There's no news of what will replace it, other than vague news that the BFI will take on some functions, and that lottery funding will remain, as will many of the current things that the UKFC does now. So nothing will change they say, it's only that the UKFC won't be running the shop. Woolworths is closing, but you'll still be able to buy quality buttons and ironing boards in other shops.
Except that it won't work like this. The Coalition will clearly strip many of the UKFC's functions to nothingness, and what it does distribute to other bodies will be in tiny portions and demand a market benefit. How do we know? Because that's what they're doing with everything else. If it's not serving consumer choice and market demand, be it 'Free' Schools, GP Surgeries or Film production, then it's clearly of no use to the Big Society. So if you think that the UKFC was obsessed with commercial output, then wait til you see Free Production Companies, which guarantee to make product that raises big profit and give the mainstream of film consumers what they demand. It'll be Bend it Like Beckham in the Multiplex or nothing round these parts,
Melodramatic? I don't think so. Having digested lots of reaction in the last 48 hours, of which this, that, and (wider context) here, are good, I'm increasingly annoyed, and not just at Jeremy Hunt's unilateral decision-making. Also at some of the views given in platforms like Shooting People's poll of indie filmmakers, where many reactions are of the "well they didn't give me money, so good riddance" school. A view that some large trade organisations and filmmakers have also taken - that the UKFC should be viewed entirely in terms of which films it funded and which it didn't.
This is missing the point. I too could moan that they didn't support some of my heroes like Andrew Kotting, that they ignored most documentary, that they were dismissive of anything that touched the concept of 'art', that they were hard to lobby, and had their favourites, that they were slow to embrace cross-media, that they were obsessed with piracy, and that they squandered the opportunity of the Digital Screen Network to support UK films.
But they were the devil that we knew, and through Skillset and less heralded production schemes like their Shorts programmes, they supported training and talent development that really did help newer and lower-budget talent to get on the ladder. They were vital for regional production through their support of the regional screen agencies. This obsession that they were London-centric is very strange, given the autonomy that the RSAs had to create their own development, production and training projects. Plus of course, they supported festivals like us, allowing the industry to meet and work together.
And their new 3-year plan was great, with the promise of the Innovation Fund, which could have kickstarted a new generation of interactive and online projects to make the UK the top of the tree for film that used new technology. Plus they supported small cinemas against the force of the multiplex.
So we can talk forever about which films they should have funded, and indeed, soon we'll have nothing else to discuss. But the real tragedy here is what the closure will do for training, for the regions and for festivals, all of which are areas that will suffer massively. We'll see big problems in the next generation of filmmakers, we'll see even more London-centrism, and we'll see a large drop-off of potential filmmakers from outside the white middle-classes. Reductionist, yes, but it's predictable and it's happening very soon unless we do something.
The UKFC is imperfect, but it's the best that we can have and it's something that we can gripe about and lobby and change, with the alternative being absolutely nothing. It's so true that as Mike Figgis et al say on the SP poll comments we all need to do our independent thing and sort ourselves out and not rely on public subsidy. We could do some amazing things with grassroots devolved regional film institutions. I am a massive advocate of that too and we should.
But that's not instead of the UKFC, which even if we independent digital free spirits can claim we don't need (though we do), many many less fortunate people do, in the regions, on lower incomes, starting out, and making non-commercial and artier projects. Like documentaries, you say? Yes. You don't know what you've got til it's gone.
Lowri Gwilym
By Charlie Phillips 22 July, 2010
We were very sad to hear of the passing away of Lowri Gwilym yesterday.
Lowri was a member of the Doc/Fest advisory board, a regular participant in the Marketplace, and a staunch supporter of all Doc/Fest's activities. She took part in our pitching workshops, and was always more than willing to offer ideas and guidance to us.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues. Doc/Fest is very grateful for the brilliant time and work that Lowri contributed to the festival, and for the time we spent with this very impressive woman.
Buyers - here, there and everywhere
By Charlie Phillips 16 July, 2010
Have you had a look at our buyers list recently?
There's now 142 confirmed - and they're commissioning editors, buyers, mentors, advisors, exec producers, and generally good people. They represent 22 countries, and a whole world of interests and personalities.
The people we invite are intentionally not just those with money to immediately put on the table - though many of them do have that, last in theory. We also like to offer you people who can mentor, offer funding and distribution strategies, and Exec you. These people might not be who you need write now, depending who you are and what your project is, but you'll almost certainly want their wisdom at some point very soon.
We're always delighted to welcome back previous attendees who've made the Doc/Fest marketplace so special and energetic. But it's also great to see lots of newcomers on the list - so we're looking forward to seeing VRT Belgium, ETV Estonia, Doc&Film, Duna TV Hungary, TG4 Ireland, Yes Israel, NHK Japan, TVP Poland, SPI Slovakia, YouTube, Documentary Channel, Documentary Educational Resources, Fledgling Fund, Factory25, IndieGogo, Kino Lorber, Ro*Co/OWN, and Wholphin, for either the first time ever or for the first time in a while at Sheffield/
And there'll be more people added on that list all the time. It's really exciting for me to see the list coming together - we want your Doc/Fests to be successful, so a good suite of wonderful helpful people is essential.
Try them, you might like them.
News - Thursday 15 July 2010
By Festival Assistant 15 July, 2010
SHEFFIELD DOC/FEST TO MOVE TO JUNE IN 2011
We are delighted to announce that the Festival is moving to June next year. This year’s Doc/Fest will take place from 3-7 November but it’s all change with Doc/Fest 2011 which will take place from 8-12 June.
Chair of Sheffield Doc/Fest Steve Hewlett says of the decision to move the Festival to June in 2011:“Sheffield Doc/Fest has undergone something of a step-change in the last four years since Heather Croall became Festival Director but there’s a bit of a pile-up of European documentary festivals in the autumn so after much consideration we’ve decided to move to June.
This move will allow more inventive programming, more public outreach, allow us to improve our offering and enable us to work more effectively with other creative organisations in Sheffield.
Britain is the home of documentary film and Sheffield Doc/Fest will take its place among the best documentary festivals in the world”.
The programme for the 2010 festival already boasts a handful of top festival hitters:
Doug Block’s ‘The Kids Grow Up’, his follow up to his acclaimed ‘51 Birch Street’, which premiered at Hot Docs; Jeff Malmberg’s multi award-winning ‘Marwencol’ (Grand Jury Prize: Seattle International Film Festival, Grand Jury Award: South by Southwest Film Festival, among others); Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing’s ‘12th and Delaware’ was nominated at Sundance for the Grand Jury Prize; Tyler Measom and Jennilyn Merten’s ‘Sons of Perdition’ won the Director’s Award at the Telluride Mountain Festival.
Also among early titles confirmed are strong UK docs from Marc and Nick Francis (‘When China Met Africa’), David Sington (‘The Flaw’) and Penny Woolcock (‘On The Streets’).
Following Doc/Fest 2010 in November, the move to June will bring some new and exciting developments to the Festival in 2011.
To find out more, watch this space!
BSC DIGITAL REVOLUTIONS SHORT FILM COMPETITION - WIN UP TO £10K IN TWO MINUTES!
Has digital technology changed your life?
Presented by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT (in association with Sheffield Doc/Fest and Crossover Labs) Digital Revolutions is the biggest short film competition around and you don’t need to be a professional to enter!With a professional and amateur category this competition is open to all.
So, put on your most creative and innovative thinking cap, make a 2 - 3 minute film about how technology has changed your life, get it out into the world, wow the judges, get it shown at Sheffield Doc/Fest 2010 and get in the running to claim some fantastic prize money! Win up to £10k!
Apply Now!
For full competition details and how to apply go to:Digital Revolutions
SHEFFIELD DOC/FEST SIGNS MEDIAGUARDIAN AS PRESENTING MEDIA SPONSOR
Sheffield Doc/Fest has signed a three year media partnership agreement (2010, 2011, 2012) with MediaGuardian.
Sheffield Doc/Fest’s activities will be supported with a six page Guardian editorial supplement and microsite to be produced by Media Guardian, plus an insert of the Festival Magazine in the full national print run.
The agreement also includes print and online advertising support. Sheffield Doc/Fest takes place this year from 3-7 November and in 2011 moves to new annual dates in June. This new partnership will increase Sheffield Doc/Fest’s reach and public impact as the Festival grows over the next three years.
The Festival Magazine will be available in The Guardian on Saturday 16 October. The Guardian Editorial supplement will feature in the MediaGuardian on Monday 25 October.
Guardian / Observer Club members are also entitled to exclusive Doc/Fest deals and discounts. Become a member today and look out for offers and competitions here
Take advantage of new and exclusive advertising opportunities with Sheffield Doc/Fest and The Guardian at great rates - e-mail Annabel Bennett for details.
LAST CHANCE TO BOOK FOR FINAL 2010 ENGINE ROOM PITCH WORKSHOP - INVERNESS - 28/29 JULY
This year's final Engine Room Pitch workshop hosted by Doc/Fest and Wide Eye Pictures will take place in Inverness on 28 and 29 July.
The deadline for applications is this Friday (16 July) so don't miss out, apply today!
THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH is a unique 2-day project development and pitching workshop for documentary filmmakers and factual cross-platform creatives seeking UK and international commissions, co-production and market intelligence.
It is also an exceptional networking opportunity. Created by leading international pitch trainer Christina Burnett of Wide Eye Pictures, THE ENGINE ROOM pitch formats have been successful in Ireland, Brazil and Abu Dhabi as well as the UK.
This workshop costs £20 for those within the Highlands and Islands, and £35 for those from the rest of Scotland.
To apply please send a one page proposal for a documentary or a doc/factual cross platform project (and brief information about yourself) to floury@sidf.co.uk by Friday 16 July.
For full details see Pitch Workshops
REMINDERS, REMINDERS, REMINDERS!YOU CAN NOW REGISTER TO BECOME A DELEGATE FOR SHEFFIELD DOC/FEST 2010!
Register before 31 August and SAVE £45 with the Early Bird discount and get an even BIGGER discount as a senior citizen / student!
The Early Bird Pass is £185 + VAT and is available until Tuesday 31 August 2010 (Standard Pass will be at £230 + VAT). The Concessionary Pass is £85 + VAT.
A delegate pass gets you into everything! Sessions, workshops, films, rocking parties and more! You will also receive a delegate bag, a festival catalogue and delegate guide.
2009 attracted a record number of delegates and passes sell out super fast, so get in quick to secure your place for Sheffield Doc/Fest 2010!
For full details and to REGISTER TODAY go to Registration
SUBMIT MEETMARKET APPLICATIONS FOR DOC/FEST 2010 - DEADLINE 1 SEPTEMBER
The call for applications for the 2010 MeetMarket, for pitching new documentary, factual and cross-platform projects, at Sheffield Doc/Fest is now open online for 3 months until Wednesday 1 September here -
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION EARLY FOR DOC/FEST 2010
Book early to secure your accommodation for the Festival and get great rates through South Yorkshire Tourism - Accommodation
SHEFFIELD YOUTH JURY AWARD WINNER 2009 - 'SONS OF CUBA' - RETURNS TO SHOWROOM, SHEFFIELD
Showing from Friday 16 July to Thursday 22 July Showroom Cinema, Sheffield
Don't miss another chance to see the multi award-winning documentary 'Sons of Cuba' which returns to the Showroom Cinema in Sheffield this week.
The film went down a storm at Doc/Fest 2009 and was subsequently chosen as the winner of the Sheffield Youth Jury Award 2009 - given to the documentary that is most engaging for young audiences (16-21 year olds) and chosen by the Sheffield Doc/Fest Youth Jury.'Sons of Cuba'
(Director: Andrew Lang / 2009 / UK)
The boys of Havana City Boxing Academy are learning to become communist fighting machines. They are vying to compete in the Under 12s National Championships, in this absorbing film which takes you to a Cuba few people have seen before.
"Surefire crowd-pleaser is equal parts coming-of-age tale and sports drama, though its real gut punch comes from its matter-of-fact observations of the wider sociopolitical context." Variety
For screening times and to book tickets go to the Showroom website here or call the Box Office on Tel: 0114 275 7727 today!
SUBSIDISED PLACES AVAILABLE FOR FREELANCERS AT MGEITF 2010
MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival
27 – 29 August 2010
Edinburgh is a unique industry event where you can meet all the major decision makers in one place over three full days. Whether you have been in the business since the Festival was founded, or you are just starting out, The Edinburgh International Television Festival is for you.
Register now and receive access to a packed three-day programme of events, screenings, keynote speeches, interviews, masterclasses and unparalleled networking opportunities.
- Uncover the potential of interactive technology and crossover opportunities available in the first major event partnership with the Edinburgh Interactive Festival
- Extend your knowledge of 3D technology with practical masterclasses and special screenings
- Discover invaluable insights and the latest trends in dedicated sessions from channel controllers including Jay Hunt (BBC One) Peter Fincham (ITV) and Stuart Murphy (Sky)
- Schmooze with over 2000 delegates and expand your network with representation from over 25 countries
- Indulge in a little festival frivolity with Sunday Special, a feel-good final day celebrating TV’s finest talent
- Transform your ideas into reality, with live pitching and development workshops throughout the weekend
- Preview the hottest new programmes set to dominate the schedules in the year ahead
View the full programme and register online now here
Freelancers are eligible for the subsidised rate of £350.00 plus VAT. Please contact the Festival office for your electronic voucher code at info@mgetif.co.uk
DOC/FEST TICKET OFFER FOR AFGHANISTAN FILM FESTIVAL - 23-27 JULY - TRICYCLE, LONDON
THE GREAT GAME: AFGHANISTAN FILM FESTIVAL: 23-27 JULY: TRICYCLE CINEMA, LONDON
A chance to see the most significant documentaries from Afghanistan + Q&A with the directors.
Highlights include:
Vote Afghanistan (dir. Martin Herring/Havana Marking) + Q&A
Addicted in Afghanistan (dir. Jawed Taiman) + Q&A
An Afghan Insight – first time filmmakers from Kabul + Q&A
Special Doc/Fest £5 Offer
Get tickets for all screenings for just £5 (usually £7).
Book in advance by calling the Box Office on 020 7328 1000 and quoting “Afghanistan Festival: Films for a Fiver”
To see the full programme and for more information go to: here
Tricycle Theatre, 69 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7JR
Isolation
By Charlie Phillips 14 July, 2010
Sometimes a special screening comes along and you just have to say it's magnificent.
Tonight sees the first night of a special tour Branchage fest are mounting across the land of the film Isolation, featuring a live soundtrack.
Isolation shows the dire state that ex-soldiers fall into after leaving war and entering 'normal' life. Many end up sleeping rough, including Stuart Griffiths, who leads the doc. It's one of those docs that you'll talk about for a long time, and hopefully, it'll raise awareness of the horror of war even as we all pretend it doesn't really exist.
The Branchage tour features live accompaniment from one of the directors of the film, Luke Seomore. If you're in London, you can see the show tonight in Greenwich and tomorrow in Islington, before touring to the North and then Oxbridge.
It's poetic and lovely, but it's also totally resensitising and I promise you won't see war as something only existing on the living room screen anymore. You should go see it, to support new documentary, but also to fight against the stupidity of armies and the people who run them.
Here's a clip:
Picturehouse Cinemas Present Isolation from Institute For Eyes on Vimeo.
Galway Fleadh
By Hussain Currimbhoy 13 July, 2010
One night at the 22nd Galway Film Fleadh makes a hard man humble. I been there since Thursday for the new Irish Short documentary jury. I'm so humble now I feel like I don't deserve another drink ever again.
What a great fest. Its set on the west coast of Ireland where everyone is always smiling, despite the rain, and is happy to remind you: 'this is the last pub before new York city!' A generous, very friendly vibe despite the rain and a good structure of funding and aiding filmmakers is what I first noticed about the Fleadh (as its lovingly called).
But a lot of the USA was at the festival. Despite their reported cut of Euro50,000 they still managed to get a great line up of guests to attend and experience the newest and best in Irish film. Sundance programmer, John Nein, his ex-boss and new Tribeca man, Geoff Gilmore, the unstoppable Kathleen McInnis from Palm Springs and Peter Van Steemberg of Magnolia fame were representing. USA's Ricki Stern was in town for a bit to present her new doc 'Burma Soldier' which by all accounts was one of the highlights of the festival's doc programme. Though the guest of honour, Annette Benning cancelled sadly. I had so much to ask her too...
The winners of Fleadh can be found here
Our jury discussed the merits of a strong and memorable shorts programme over Irish stew and political rants and decided 'Bow St' was the winner and rightly so. A cinematic, formalist and highly original 30 min portrait-without-faces, this first doc by established DP Tadhg O’ Sullivan will do well before even without our award. Our Honourable mention went to 'Alibi' directed and produced by Darren Bolger and Caroline Campbell because this was an economic but powerful view on a story that is distinctly Irish, without all the Irish cliché.
Keep an eye out for the 'The Pipe' - the best doc winner. The BP story of the day means this will do much more than the local TV and environmental film festivals it could otherwise be destined to do.
It was great to see a few Doc/Fest favourites in their programme too like 'Kings of Pastry' by DA and 'Edie & Thea' by Susan Muska and Greta Olafsdottir. So I had time to watch FICTION films and was totally blown away by 'Sensation' by Tom Hall. Cutting performances by Domhnall Gleeson (look out for him in the new Cohen Brothers film) and New Zealander Luanne Gordon moved a coming of age story into into another astrosphere of emotional betrayal. Loved it!
Locarno documentary programme is out tomorrow. Is it too late to go to Switzerland? While I check out the fest, I could at least help putting Polanski back in the slammer.
some programmes
By Hussain Currimbhoy 29 June, 2010
I announce with some fear and a little pride that our submissions have tilted over the 1100 mark. The programme's gestation enters its final trimester. Another 1000 to go and I'll be ready to lock the door, buy a carton of ciggies and brood for the summer - emerging like the guy from 'infinite jest' after a bender with a slightly altered world view, longer hair and fewer friends. We close submissions on June 30th (aka 'tomorrow) But between you, me and the blogosphere if you have a film to submit a BIT later than that I'll take a look. But only if you ask nice and complement me on my physique.
Looking around I see a collection of great programmes out there that I encourage you all to look into. The LA film festival is sweltering at the moment with brilliant docs like 'Everyday Sunshine' about legendary musical concoction, 'Fishbone' by Chris Mezler and 'Circo', a beautiful portrait about the life of a Mexican family who live for their circus. 'Camera Camera' is like nothing I've seen in a long time. You want poetic, lost Gen Ys and even more lost Boomers, enchanting, often Chris Doyle-esque imagery and a kind of po-mo take on our relationship with digital photography look no further.
I'm very excited about the Karlovy Vary doc programme announced this week. 'Familia', the award winning third part in a series studying a Peruvian family struggling for survival is devastating and heartfelt from start to finish. An honest doc this one. If you like your films a big harder, a bit 'Restrepo' don't miss 'Armadillo' by a new great Dane, Janus Metz who was the talk of Cannes this year. I enjoyed his last film, 'Love on Delivery' that studied Thai brides in rural Denmark. But this takes his skill to another level. You can't get killed filming 40 year old virgins... The brilliant UK doc, 'The Arbor' set in Bradford (an hour away from Sheffield on a train) is also in competition there as well as one of the biggest docs of the year 'Marwencol' which needs no introduction. Australia's Gillian Armstrong gets a look in with her trilogy breaker 'Love, Lust & Lies'. This is one I'm sure will do really around the circuit judging by Armstrong's last efforts and festival prowess. I'm very happy to see a Doc/Fest selection, 'Notes on the Other' in competition too.
Probably one of the most interesting and daring doc programmes out at the moment is at FID Marseille (not to mention their art work!) The Ackerman doc looks brilliant along with Mohammad Ali Atassi's Lebanese doc. A rare find these days in the world... A collection of really innovative German, Romanian, Syrian and dozens of great French films premiering in the International competition look tantalizing. I want to see all of these. And I mean all of them!
Closer to home, check out the Romanian Film Festival in London opening July 2. There's always some beautiful docs in the mix. And if anyone caught 'The Autobiography of Nicolae Ceausescu' at Cannes you'll know that Romanian docs are still simmering with creativity and political prowess.
Also, please remember to check out the Doors doc at the Showroom here in Sheffield as well as '24 Hour City' by Zia Jangke playing this month.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
June 2011
By Charlie Phillips 18 June, 2010
We've got some exciting news - we're moving to June in 2011.
The rumours are true - 2010 will be the last November Doc/Fest. In 2011, we'll be embarking on a brave new world of summer screenings, pitching, talking and skating. The dates will be 8th-12th June, and we're looking forward to it so much.
Upon the announcement, chairman of our board Steve Hewlett said: ‘Sheffield Doc/Fest is an outstanding UK and international success story. Over the past four years delegate attendance has risen from 500 in 2005, to 1,885 in 2009 but the fact remains that the autumn calendar is very crowded with major documentary festivals all falling within weeks of each other. By moving to June, Sheffield Doc/Fest can engage more meaningfully with the industry, and at the same time broaden its reach with local audiences.’
We're striking out away from the clutch of October/November documentary events, so that we can all be stronger and support each other. It's going to be beautiful.
Much much more will be revealed from us on this, but for now, you have 2 big weeks to put in your diary, and you better be coming to both! They're November 3rd to 7th 2010 and June 8th to 12th 2011. Docs in the autumn leaves and then docs in the sun.
Useful
By Charlie Phillips 10 June, 2010
I'm aware that often I'll post little bits of usefulness on Twitter, and then not report back on here, so here's a small catchup on a few things interesting me over the past week or so:
Cinereach's directory of grants and awards and tools for the discerning independent filmmaker. Here you can fill your boots with money from foundations, charities, non-profits and other beacons of lovely. It's US-centric, as you'd expect, but lots of things are, and they're still useful.
Hopefully Good With Film will be similarly useful, and from a UK perspective. A new thing from Dogwoof it's, like all of their good stuff, charged with social purpose, full of info and fun. Making film do the goods, it's v good.
For a major dose of good info, you need to be on Peter Hamilton's Documentary Television website, which does something simple and useful - tell you exactly what lots of broadcasters pay and what for. It might not be sexy, but it's clear and informative - which is sexy anyway, right?
Especially look at the info on the Oprah Winfrey Network, which may change the world for docs that Middle Earth is interested in.
And we've been having fun with the POV DocSoup most powerful people in docs list. Like all lists, there's been a raging debate about why we and our favourite friends weren't on there.
But so as not to be negative, I'll offer my own positive take on it, and suggest an alternative top 10. It's actually a joint top 1 shared between the 10 members of Doc/Fest staff including our finance officer. We're very very powerful you know, as well as clear and informative.
The Creators Project
By Charlie Phillips 08 June, 2010
A video treat for you today - the good people at VBS.tv have cooked up a new project called The Creators Project, celebrating creativity in all its forms across the world.
But this isn't a lame trendy form of creativity, this is actually-talented people doing stuff that's out there and unusual.
Look at all these great interviews ready to watch or coming up soon. We're quite excited really.
So here's one for you to watch right here, with Ladj Ly, radical activist filmmaker in the banlieuex of Paris. Enjoy...