Applications to our 2026 Youth Jury are now open!
Who can apply?
We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds, with no special qualifications or experience needed. 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.
This free programme offers opportunities for young people wishing to enter the film industry from production to distribution, curation, film marketing and criticism. It is a tremendous way to see how an international film festival and jury work, and you will have your say about the best documentary films being made today by selecting the winner of our Youth Jury Award. Previous Youth Jury Award Winners have included 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), Baracoa (2019), Amal (2018).
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 12 and 13 February 2026.
- 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 2026.
- Jurors will attend screenings of the selected Youth Jury films and a deliberation during the Festival, selecting the winner of the Youth Jury Award 2026.
- Travel and accommodation costs will be covered for both the London Lab and Sheffield events.
Availability
Jurors need to be available for the following activity:
- Interviews: 20 - 22 January 2026 (online)
- London Lab: 12 - 13 February 2026
- Sheffield Lab: April 2025 (date TBC)
- Sheffield DocFest Festival: 10 - 15 June 2026
How to Apply
You can either complete a written or video application using the form below.
The application deadline is 9 January 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
