Doc/Fest - Sheffield

Screening now until Thursday 15 April
'FOOD, INC'

Dir. Robert Kenner / 2009 / USA

In 'Food, Inc.' filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on the food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the consumer. A shocking exposé of what we eat.
Food Inc

For tickets, book online at: Showroom Cinema or call the Showroom Box Office on Tel: 0114 275 7727

SHEFFIELD DOC/FEST TOUR CONTINUES IN NEWCASTLE AND DUNDEE

The Doc/Fest Tour, which presents highlights of the Doc/Fest 2009 film programme, began this month at the BFI Southbank in London and continues throughout April in Newcastle and Dundee. Catch the following screenings:

Side Cinema, NEWCASTLE:

Tuesday 13 April – Videocracy – 7pm
Wednesday 14 April – Blood of the Rose – 7pm
Thursday 15 April – Kings of Pastry – 7pm
Friday 16 April – Sons of Cuba – 7pm
Saturday 17 April – I’m Dangerous With Love – 7pm

For info/to book tickets:
Side Cinema
Tel: +44 (0)191 232 2208

Dundee Centre of Arts (DCA), DUNDEE:

Saturday 24 April - The Blood of the Rose - 3.15pm
Saturday 24 April - Kings of Pastry – 8.15pm
Sunday 25 April - Junior - 3.15pm
Sunday 25 April - Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement - 5.30pm
Sunday 25 April - Videocracy - 7pm

For info/to book tickets:
DCA
Tel: 01382 909 900

At the end of April and during May the tour then goes to Bristol and Clitheroe:

Watershed, BRISTOL

30 April - 7 May
For screening times and dates visit:
Watershed

The Grand Arts Centre, CLITHEROE

10, 11 and 12 May
For screening times and dates visit:
The Grand Arts Centre

We hope to see you there!

WIN TONS OF TICKETS TO 'DOC/FEST ON TOUR' SCREENINGS

To celebrate Doc/Fest on Tour, the host cinemas are offering you the chance to win tickets to selected screenings, as well as a pass for all of the Dundee screenings!

DCA, Dundee

DCA are offering TWO FREE PASSES to the screenings in Dundee.
The first two people to respond to the email get a free pass to the screenings!
State DOC/FEST TOUR PASSES in the Subject of your e-mail to enter.

Side Cinema, Newcastle

Win TWO FREE TICKETS to this Saturday’s screening at Newcastle’s Side Cinema of ‘I’m Dangerous with Love’.

Watershed, Bristol

Win a pair of tickets for:
'Kings Of Pastry' on Sun 2 May - 15:30
'Videocracy' on Sat 8 May - 15:20

First come first serve!

To enter, e-mail marketing@sidf.co.uk stating 'TOUR TICKETS GIVEAWAY' in the ‘Subject’ and state which cinema and screening tickets you would like (e.g. WATERSHED - ALL SCREENINGS or WATERSHED - Kings of Pastry) and include your name, address and a contact number in the body of the e-mail.

GOOD LUCK!

INVERNESS & LONDON ENGINE ROOM PITCH WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED

London - 15/16 June / Inverness - 28/29 July

We're delighted to announce another Engine Room international marketplace pitching workshop have been announced for those based in Scotland!

Following sold out events in Nottingham and Birmingham, Sheffield Doc/Fest, in partnership with Wide Eye Pictures, Highland and Islands Enterprise and MEDIA Antenna Scotland, invites you to The Engine Room Pitch, taking place in Inverness on 28 and 29 July.

THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH is a unique two 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.

“THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH is a must-do for every filmmaker looking to pitch into the marketplace. Practical and inspiring, it makes you think about, and present, your film in the best possible way”.

Sandra Whipham, London Fields Films, former Commissioning Editor True Stories, Channel 4

You can attend either as a pitcher with project, or as an observer. This workshop is only open to filmmakers and cross-platform creatives from Scotland only, but applicants can come from anywhere within Scotland.

For information on this please see: Pitch Workshops

To express interest or if you have any questions, email Doc/Fest Marketplace Assistant Floury Crum at floury@sidf.co.uk with a one page proposal for a documentary or a doc/factual cross platform project (and brief information about yourself).
This workshop costs £20 for those within the Highlands and Islands, and £35 for those from the rest of Scotland.

STOP PRESS!
London workshop just confirmed!

On 15 and 16 June, in partnership with MEDIA Desk UK, BAFTA and BFI. This workshop is open to all.

For more information see Pitch workshops

We'll be announcing more workshops for more regions in the next couple of weeks, so watch this space!

CROSSOVER NEW ENTRANT AWARDED FUNDED TRIP TO MIPTV, CANNES

One of the participants in the Crossover New Entrants Scheme has earned a pitching opportunity in Cannes, through the Skillset Academi+ Course.

Jamie McNaught originally signed up for the Crossover New Entrant Scheme after graduating from the University of Glamorgan not knowing which direction to take. Yet six months into the seven-month course, his cross-platform ideas have set him apart from the other participants, earning him a fully-funded trip to MIPTV, the international TV, internet, mobile and games market held in Cannes.

The Crossover programme is a UK-wide scheme which involves 38 new entrants from across the country. The course is designed to fast-track graduates into the media, focusing on the new digital developments that are revolutionising the industry. Skillset Academi+ has funded the participation of 14 Welsh graduates.

Jamie is to present two projects to commissioners at MIPTV, a personal project and the group project developed during the Crossover Creative Lab, an intensive five-day ideas laboratory at Gregynog, mid Wales, held in February.

Jamie said of the Crossover course,

“Crossover has been a really useful, education course. It is taught by industry professionals who have real experience and a proven track record in their fields. It’s great that you get thrown in the deep end – the best way to learn – and have the opportunity to make some many good contacts so quickly. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone serious about a career in television and digital media.”

For more information about the Crossover New Entrants course see Crossover

JOIN DOC/FEST IN CANNES AT THE UK FILM CENTRE

Doc/Fest will be in Cannes this year at the UK Film Centre. Come and get involved!

The UK Film Centre is a hub for British and International delegates visiting Cannes Film Festival.

Located in the centre of the International Village the Film Centre offers an exciting events programme, access to key industry professionals in 1-2-1 surgeries and free WIFi in the Cyber Café.

To find out more and register for free updates go to
UK Film Centre

REMINDER, REMINDER, REMINDER!

ENGINE ROOM PITCH WORKSHOPS -
NEWCASTLE, MANCHESTER AND LEEDS

Newcastle - 22/23 April / Manchester - 12/13May / Leeds - 19/20 July

For more information and how to apply see
Pitch Workshops

SEIZE THE FUTURE
Friday 2 July and Saturday 3 July, LONDON

Don't forget also that we're still taking applications for our Seize The Future workshop, on the funding, marketing and distribution of independent films.

This course is designed for independent filmmakers and artists determined to get their work seen widely, create social impact, and earn a living in the digital age, led by Peter Broderick, and Sandi DuBowski.

For more information go to Pitch Workshops

FILM AND SESSION SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN!
Submit a film

Filmmakers from the UK and from around the world are invited to enter their new short, medium or feature length films until Wednesday 16 June 2010.

For any questions about the film submission process, please email our film programmer Hussain Currimbhoy: hussain@sidf.co.uk or Submit a film online today!

Submit a session

Doc/Fest invites you to submit your session idea for the Doc/Fest 2010 programme online NOW until 7 July 2010.

For more information, email Doc/Fest’s General Manager, Layla Croll - layla@sidf.co.uk

Or submit online today - Submit a session idea

DOC/FEST TRAVEL UPDATES

Catch up with the Doc/Fest team at other key festivals throughout the year. Heather Croall (Festival Director), Layla Croll (General Manager), Hussain Currimbhoy (Film Programmer) and Charlie Phillips (Marketplace Producer) will be attending HOTDOCS and Heather and Hussain will be at Tribeca this year.

Check out the Doc/Fest blog for our travel updates -
Doc/Fest blog

Wednesday 10 March 2010

'DOC/FEST PRESENTS' RETURNS TO THE SHOWROOM CINEMA - SHEFFIELD

Doc/Fest presents two exciting screening events at the Showroom Cinema, Sheffield this month.

Friday 26 March - 8.10pm
Mugabe & the White African

Dirs. Lucy Bailey, Andrew Thompson / 2009 / UK

+ Q&A with the director and Doc/Fest’s Film Programmer Hussain Currimbhoy

Award-winning documentary about white farmer Mike Campbell taking the unprecedented step of challenging President Robert Mugabe to defend his farm - home to 500 black workers and their families.

"Nerve-shattering, tremendously moving cinema. This is one of those documentaries that stays with you for years. The injustice infuriates and the story, simply and deftly told, breaks your heart.”
Empire Magazine

Monday 29 & Tuesday 30 March – 18:20
Criminals

Dir. Joseph Strick / 1996 / USA

This a fierce documentary about crime in America featuring the action of decoy squads police videotapes of crimes in progress, unimaginable confessions and some heroic resistance.

'Criminals' will be screened together with short film msde in 1971

Interviews with My Lai Veterans

For tickets, call the Showroom Box Office on T: 0114 275 7727 or book online at Showroom Cinema

DOC/FEST TOUR BEGINS FRIDAY 9 APRIL

If you missed Doc/Fest in 2009 don’t worry - the Best of Doc/Fest’s 2009 films are coming to you.

Starting at the BFI in London in April, a selection of our award winning films and audience favourites will be travelling to five cities throughout the UK. Director Q&As will feature at some screenings and we’ll have a few complimentary tickets to give away very soon.

Keep an eye on the cinemas below for screening dates and check the Doc/Fest website for details:

BFI London

9, 10 and 11 April

Side Cinema, Newcastle

13-18 April

Dundee Comemptory Arts, Dundee

24-25 April

Watershed, Bristol

30 April - 7 May

The Grand Arts Centre, Clitheroe

10, 11 and 12 May

THREE NEW ENGINE ROOM PITCH WORSHOPS ANNOUNCED FOR NEWCASTLE, MANCHESTER & LEEDS

Sheffield Doc/Fest, in partnership with Wide Eye Pictures and Northern Net, invites you to THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH taking place in:

Newcastle - 22/23 April / Manchester - 12/13May / Leeds - 19/20 July

THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH is an intensive 2 day proposal development and pitching workshop which enables you to prepare your factual cross platform or your documentary project for UK and international funding.

The workshop is a high-level project development opportunity and includes an introduction to MeetMarket and all cross-platform and other marketplace activities at Doc/Fest and to wider opportunities in international funding and markets.

Delivered by leading international specialist Christina Burnett, of Wide Eye Pictures, this is also a unique chance to pitch your project and get feedback from two UK commissioners as well as Charlie Philips, Doc/Fest Marketplace Producer.

THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH is suitable for all levels of experience from senior producers and directors to new entrants. You can attend either as a pitcher with project, or as an observer.

This workshop is open to filmmakers and producers from the North East, North West and Yorkshire only, but applicants can choose which of the 3 workshops they wish to attend.

For more information and how to apply see Pitch Workshops

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE DOCUMENTARY SCREENINGS

In association with the Human Rights Watch Film Festival (17 - 25 March) we are proud to present two stunning documentaries:

Nero's Guests

Enemies of the People
Sunday 21 March 7.30pm Ritzy & Tuesday 23 March - 6.30pm - ICA, London

The London premiere of 'Enemies of the People' follows the ten-year project of Thet Sambath as he uncovers terrifying personal explanations of perpetrators of the genocide under the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia in which approximately two million people perished, including the filmmaker's parents. Filmmakers Thet Sambath and Rob Lemkin will be at the screenings for a discussion with the Director of Human Rights Watch's Asia Division Director.

The UK Premiere of 'Nero's Guests' follows a project of a different kind as it documents journalist P. Sainath's mission to tell the story of the thousands of farmers in India who commit suicide every year as a result of poverty and the inability to repay debts. This beautifully edited film exposes the plight of the farmers and shows hoe the world colludes to hide their stories.

To find out more and book tickets visit the Festival website
Human Rights Watch

SUNNY SIDE OF THE DOC - CALL OUT TO ALL UK DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS

Sunny Side of the Doc, the specialist factual and documentary, takes place every year in June in La Rochelle, France, and is an international hotspot for documentary funding opportunities.

In 2009 it attracted 2,000 professionals from 50 countries, and provided a showcase for 300 documentary funding decision makers from across the world.

2010 is the right year to visit Sunny Side– the organisers are having a big push to actively grow their relationship with UK documentary professionals, and will be hosting special events to order to help UK producers attending the market meet the right international co-producers and financiers to turn their projects into reality. They’re even offering you a bilingual assistant to help overcome any stress caused by the language barrier!

Sunny Side is offering a discounted accreditation fee of €468 + VAT to UK newcomers who will attend the market for the first time. It is also possible to attend the market as a visitor for the reduced rate of €400 + VAT (excludes some services).
These reduced fees are only available until Monday 15 March. The market runs from 21-25 June 2010.

To take advantage of the special offer and for full details of services included, go to:
Sunnyside of the Doc

SKILLSET ARCHIVING RESIDENTIAL – 18-23 APRIL 2010

Huntley Film Archives and Skillset will be holding a five day residential course -

FILM ARCHIVE COLLECTIONS: A PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT GUIDE
Sunday 18 April - Friday 23 April 2010

This intensive and very hands on course will help you evaluate, manage and utilise moving image collections.
Whether you are looking to develop a career in film archiving, or you’ve got a collection and want to exploit it, this is the course for you.
By the end of the course, you will be able to :
- assess and evaluate archive film and other moving image collections
- learn how to handle all formats and gauges
- develop a preservation plan, address cataloguing issues and copying
- utilise and exploit those collections for the broadcast, education and other creative media
For more information about the course itself, a full timetable and booking form caroline@huntleyarchives.com / T: + 44 (0)1981 241580

BOOK NOW FOR DOCHOUSE/GRIERSON SPECIAL EVENT

A day of 5 award-winning documentaries
Saturday 20 March - 12:30 - The Riverside Studios, London

Spend the day at The Riverside Studios where you can watch the best docs of the year on the big screen, meet the directors and other filmmakers and have lunch or coffee with friends in the sun along the river £5 per film, or make a day of it for only £18.

Group bookings of 6 or more people pay £15 for a day pass.

For full details and to book go to The Riverside Studios or call T: 020 8237 1111

WIN 'SONS OF CUBA' TICKETS & OTHER GOODIES

Two tickets to a ‘Sons Of Cuba’ screening of your choice & a copy of the Rough Guide to Cuba are up for grabs in the DOC/FEST SONS OF CUBA PRIZE DRAW (exclusive to Doc/Fest subscribers) to celebrate the opening at cinemas nationwide this month.

Winner of 6 international festival awards, including Sheffield Youth Jury Award at Sheffield Doc/Fest, 'Sons Of Cuba' is set in the legendary Havana Boxing Academy and follows the stories of three 11 year old boxers through 8 dramatic months as they prepare for Cuba's National Boxing Championship for Under-12's. But during the season, crisis strikes: Fidel Castro is taken ill, and all of Cuba's Olympic boxing champions defect to the USA, leaving Cuba at a crossroads, and the boys contemplating a changing world.

To enter the DOC/FEST SONS OF CUBA PRIZE DRAW answer the following question:
"Which of the boys featured in 'Sons Of Cuba' was previously a ballet dancer?"

Go to Sons Of Cuba to find the answer and e-mail your answer to laura@sonsofcuba.com with DOC/FEST SONS OF CUBA PRIZE in the subject line.

'Sons Of Cuba' opens at the ICA cinema in London on Thursday 18 March and in selected cinemas nationwide from Tuesday 30 March.

Wednesday 13 January 2010

GET DOC/FEST 2010 DATES IN YOUR DIARY!

Post Christmas blues and the winter weather getting you down? Don't despair, there's only 293 days until Doc/Fest 2010!

Doc/Fest 2010 will take place from

Wednesday 3 November to Sunday 7 November 2010.

Get the dates in your diary!
More information coming soon!

STILL TIME TO APPLY FOR THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH WORKSHOP - 8-9 FEBRUARY 2010, NOTTINGHAM

Sheffield Doc/Fest, in partnership with Wide Eye Pictures and EM Media, invites you to a special documentary pitching and marketplace workshop.

Documentary producers and filmmakers from the East Midlands and beyond are invited to take part in a documentary pitching and marketplace offering complete preparation for getting your factual project funded internationally, including at Doc/Fest’s Marketplace 2010, and other international markets. This workshop is open to all levels of experience from New Entrants to established producers, directors, and applicants can be from any region of the UK, but we especially invite East Midlands filmmakers.

Monday 8 & Tuesday 9 February 2010
Broadway Cinema, Nottingham

This workshop is an intensive introduction to all Marketplace and pitching activities at Doc/Fest, and to wider opportunities in international documentary pitching and funding.
Delivered by international marketplace specialist Christina Burnett, of Wide Eye Pictures, this is an exclusive window into the priorities of the international documentary market and a chance to pitch your ideas to the Doc/Fest team, develop your projects and presentation style and prepare for getting international support from funders. It offers a chance to learn what UK, European, North American and other decision-makers are looking for right now from you.

The cost of the workshop is £20 for those based in the EM Media region / £30 for those outside it.

Places for this workshop are very limited and are booking up fast, so express an interest today!

To do so, email Doc/Fest Marketplace Producer Charlie Phillips via charlie@sidf.co.uk charlie@sidf.co.uk with a one-page pitch for a factual/documentary project and brief information about yourself.

Projects can be at any stage of development, for any platform, and any genre as long it is a factual project.

Attendees can be at any level of experience from New Entrants to established producers and directors.

For more information go to Nottingham Pitch Workshops

HOTDOCS: SUBMISSIONS FOR TORONTO DOCUMENTARY FORUM - DEADLINE 15 JANUARY 2010

The TORONTO DOCUMENTARY FORUM (TDF) deadline is fast approaching…
Don’t miss this opportunity to pitch your project in development/production to Commissioning Editors, Distributors and Decision-Makers from around the world.

We are accepting the following types of documentary submissions
- One offs
- Feature Length
- Series
- Interactive Cross Platform Content
- 3D Documentaries

Follow this link to submit a project or to read the complete submission guidelines:
TDF submissions

Friday 15 January 2010 is the deadline for submissions to all Toronto Documentary Forum categories.

Projects will be selected in February and those chosen will pitch at the TDF in Toronto on May 5 & 6, 2010.

SHOOTING PEOPLE SHORT FILM COMPETITION – DEADLINE 1 FEBRUARY 2010

Shooting People are always looking for ways to help filmmakers make money. Making a short film need not make you a starving artist. One competition that's got the red bulb flashing is Mofilm's ad competition in Barcelona this February. Filmmakers are asked to make an ad of less than 90 seconds for one of five brands. Prizes include a car, going to Tribeca Film Festival, designing your own film tech packages, and a bunch of other cash prizes (ranging from $1,000 to $10,000).

Last year at Barcelona, four out of the 20 shortlisted winning films were made by Shooting People members. This year, Shooting People want to storm Barcelona showing that UK talent is up there with the best. Mofilm have offered Shooting People members an EXCLUSIVE OFFER - all members who enter go into a draw to win a fabulous Canon 5D Mark II camera. Worth over £1,500, it's the camera that is the FIRST DSLR in the world to shoot Hi-Definition.

Not a member? No problem. Claim your free trial membership here shooting people competition

DEADLINE: Monday 1 February 2010.

VOTE FOR DOC/FEST IN THE 2010 EXPOSED AWARDS - DEADLINE 29 JANUARY

Exposed magazine - the ultimate entertainment and listings guide for Sheffield and Doncaster - presents The Exposed Awards in February 2010.

THE AWARDS

There are a breathtaking 17 categories this year including Best Event or Festival (both applicable to Doc/Fest), Best Unsigned Band, Best Restaurant, Best Visitor Attraction and Best Hair Salon. Among the new awards for 2009 is The Exposed Inspiration Award for someone who has made a particularly stellar contribution to the Steel City and the Made in Sheffield Award for the best home-grown product. See exposed magazine for more details.

VOTING

Voting in all categories (with the exception of the Exposed Inspiration Award) is split 50/50 between the good people of Sheffield and a select panel of judges. You can do so

Online:

Fill in the form here Exposed Magazine

Email:

Send your choices in each of the categories to awards@exposedmagazine.co.uk
Just email the number and your choice next to it.

Text:

Send your choices in each of the categories to 07720772855.

Facebook:

Join the Exposed Mag Group and post your nominations on either the group or event walls or send a private message.

Post:

Just rip out the page in the Dec mag and post to Exposed Awards, Unit 1 Beehive Works, Milton Street, Sheffield S3 7WL

Voting Boxes in Sheffield:

Fill out voting slip and post at any one of the 20 voting boxes which will be at selected locations around Sheffield city centre.

Deadline for votes is Friday 29 January, so get voting!

Wednesday 10 February

BOOK NOW FOR THE CROSSOVER BUSINESS LABS: 25th/26th FEBRUARY 2010

SPONSORED BY
SCREEN YORKSHIRE, NORTHWEST VISION + MEDIA, NORTHERN FILM + MEDIA and NORTHERN NET

Crossover is now inviting owners and senior managers of companies from the North West, North East and Yorkshire to apply for places on our pilot Business Lab, to be held in Leeds at the end of February.

There are three core objectives of the Business Lab programme:
• to assist creative companies located in the North of England acquire the skills, capabilities and assets required to do business effectively and to achieve growth in the converging digital marketplace
• to share understanding of the characteristics and challenges of the emerging media market, the challenges to and opportunities for growth
• to foster collaboration between companies within and across the regions.

Who is the Crossover Business Lab for?

The Crossover Business Labs are designed for small to medium sized creative businesses based in the North of England. They are particularly suitable for companies operating in the audio-visual industries (operating in the film, tv, web, mobile, games and animation sectors) seriously interested in corporate growth by exploring new business models, extending beyond their current markets and developing new partnerships and collaborations.

What will it involve?

Topics covered in the Business Lab will include:
• New business models: the pace of change and disruption in the media industries suggests that only the agile will flourish. How does a company break into new markets and generate revenue from new sources?
• Frameworks for collaboration: modelling a framework for understanding your business and its place in cross platform working: developing ideas, making them happen, structuring relationships with partners.
• Strategic Planning: how might your business approach work across platforms and where are the gaps? How might your enterprise develop a structure that will allow for growth in new markets?
• Getting outside help: how do you find the right people to act as ‘jungle guides’ in new markets and to provide appropriate financial, legal, management advice?
• Access to finance: sources of investment for corporate as well as project development
The Lab will comprise a blend of presentation, workshop activity and round table discussion. There will also be some opportunity for one-to-one consultation with visiting experts.

Who will be leading the Lab?

Confirmed mentors and speakers on the Business Lab will include expert facilitators from the Crossover team and leading professionals: people who have built successful creative enterprises, specialist lawyers and accountants, representatives of trade bodies. They include Frank Boyd and Grant Keir from Crossover, fund manager Michelle Cooper (North Star Equity), producer and entrepreneur Tom Gutteridge (Standing Stone
Productions), IP Lawyer Richard Taylor (DLA Piper), investment advisor and corporate strategist John Sanderson (JFWS), and business growth strategist Mark Fenwick (Business Assessment Ltd).

For full bios and updates on speakers please go to Crossover Labs

What will it cost?

There is no cost for participation in the Business Lab apart from travel and accommodation, if required.

Where will it be?

Who should apply?

The Crossover Business Lab is designed for owner/directors of companies working in the audio-visual and entertainment sectors in the North East, the North West and in Yorkshire.
Apply online here
For further information, please contact tom@sidf.co.uk

BE PART OF THE UK DELEGATION AT HOTDOCS 2010

Doc/Fest is again co-ordinating the UK delegation to HotDocs, North America's premier documentary festival, market and conference, taking place in Toronto from 2 – 7 May this year, and inviting you to be a part of the delegation.

HotDocs is one of the best events for doing business and getting creative inspiration in the documentary world, and it's a pretty essential networking event for anyone working in documentary and factual media.

You can find out more about HotDocs on their website at HotDocs

Members of the UK delegation will get a large discount of 42% on the price of registration for a Toronto Documentary Forum pass (which includes entry to all HotDocs films and events as well), and entry to the International Co-Production Day.

Delegation members would also have access to HotDocs one-on-one Rendezvous meetings with Broadcasters and Distributors from around the world, and each UK delegation producer would also receive the opportunity to submit, on a 50% discounted basis, programmes into the Doc Shop, Hot Docs’ on-demand digital video library for international buyers and programmers.

To express interest, and for more information, please email charlie@sidf.co.uk by Friday 26 February.

NORTHERN FILM & MEDIA CAPTURE SCHEME ANNOUNCED

Monday 8 & Tuesday 9 March

Doc/Fest is holding 2 special one-day project development and pitching workshops in partnership with Wide Eye Pictures, as part of the selection process for the 'Capture 10' documentaries funding scheme run by Northern Film and Media.

These workshops will take place in Newcastle on 8 & 9 March. For more information please see Northern Media

STILL TIME TO APPLY FOR THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH - BIRMINGHAM - 23 & 24 MARCH 2010

Sheffield Doc/Fest, in partnership with Wide Eye Pictures, Screen WM and The Flatpack Festival, invites you to
THE BIRMINGHAM ENGINE ROOM PITCH - The Bond, Birmingham
Tuesday 23 & Wednesday 24 March

THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH is an intensive 2 day proposal development and pitching workshop to help you prepare your factual project for UK and international funding.

The workshop is a high-level project development opportunity and includes an introduction to MeetMarket and all Marketplace activities at Doc/Fest and to wider opportunities in international documentary funding and markets.

Delivered by international marketplace specialist Christina Burnett, of Wide Eye Pictures, this is also a unique chance to pitch your project and get feedback from two UK commissioners as well as Charlie Philips, Doc/Fest Marketplace Producer. Commissioners from BBC, Channel 4, Britdoc and CBA-DFID Broadcast Media Scheme have taken part in previous workshops.

THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH is suitable for all levels of experience, from senior producers and directors to new entrants. You can attend either as a pitcher with project, or as an observer.
Applicants must be West Midlands-based filmmakers. The cost of the workshop is £30 for all attendees.

To express interest, email Doc/Fest Marketplace Producer Charlie Phillips charlie@sidf.co.uk with a one-page proposal for a factual/documentary project (single, series or cross-platform doc) and brief information about yourself.

Projects can be at any stage of development, for any platform, as long as it is a factual project. For full information please see Engine Room Pitch Workshops

This workshop is very kindly supported by Screen WM. Screen WM is the regional agency which supports, promotes and develops a sustainable and thriving screen media sector in the West Midlands.

Wednesday 16 December 2009

TOP 5 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUPPORTING THE DOCUMENTARY INDUSTRY CHOSEN AT QUESTION TIME

In September we asked you to put forward recommendations of what you would like the government to do to support the documentary industry. From those recommendations 10 were then chosen for debate at the Question Time Special session at Doc/Fest 2009.

The 'Question Time Special: Have Your Say - A Documentary Manifesto' session, chaired by Alex Connock of Ten Alps, took place at Doc/Fest on Friday 6 November. The top 5 recommendations were then voted for by electronic keypad by the Documentary industry delegates who attended the session.
The top 5 recommendations voted for were:

1. Public Service documentaries should be allowed to access tax relief by borrowing charitable status from an umbrella organisation

2. Ofcom should allow non-profit organisations to fund public information programming

3. The Regional Screen Agencies and UKFC should ring fence some funding for documentary production

4. Broadcasters should ensure that an agreed percentage of all documentaries are produced outside of London
5. The BBC should be required to offer reduced rates for archive footage for documentaries

These recommendations will now be sent to the main political parties for consideration.
For more information about the Question Time Special session and the recommendations made, visit Question Time Special

THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH - BIRMINGHAM - MARCH 2010

Sheffield Doc/Fest, in partnership with Wide Eye Pictures, Screen WM and The Flatpack Festival, invites you to

THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH
Tuesday 23 March and Wednesday 24 March 2010
The Bond, Birmingham

THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH is an intensive 2 day proposal development and pitching workshop to help you prepare your factual project for UK and international funding.

The workshop is a high-level project development opportunity and includes an introduction to MeetMarket and all Marketplace activities at Doc/Fest and to wider opportunities in international documentary funding and markets.

Delivered by international marketplace specialist Christina Burnett, of Wide Eye Pictures, this is also a unique chance to pitch your project and get feedback from two UK commissioners as well as Charlie Philips, Doc/Fest Marketplace Producer. Commissioners from BBC, Channel 4, Britdoc and CBA-DFID Broadcast Media Scheme have taken part in previous workshops.

THE ENGINE ROOM PITCH is suitable for all levels of experience, from senior producers and directors to new entrants. You can attend either as a pitcher with project, or as an observer.
Applicants must be West Midlands-based filmmakers. The cost of the workshop is £30 for all attendees.

To express interest, email Doc/Fest Marketplace Producer Charlie Phillips charlie@sidf.co.uk with a one-page proposal for a factual/documentary project (single, series or Cross-Platform doc) and brief information about yourself. Projects can be at any stage of development, for any platform, as long as it is a factual project.

For more information see The Engine Room Pitch Workshop

REMINDER - NORTH-EAST WORKSHOP APPLICATION DEADLINE JANUARY 2010
SUSTAIN TRAINING WORKSHOPS IN DURHAM - JANUARY 2010

Sheffield Doc/Fest and Crossover, together with Skillset North’s Sustain programme, are holding further FREE workshops in January 2010 in Durham, examining business models afforded by digital technology in emerging media markets, examining what opportunities exist regionally, nationally and internationally, where obstacles currently lie and what the future may hold.

They offer a chance to help participants explore appropriate approaches to building sustainable businesses in the emergent media economy.

Open only to participants based in the Northern Film and Media (North East) region, the workshops are of interest to producers, senior creatives and business development professionals, from film, TV, games, mobile and interactive companies, who are keen to explore the potential of cross-platform collaboration first-hand and gain a greater understanding of new markets.

Places for these workshops are free of charge but extremely limited.

To express interest, and for more information, please email Charlie Phillips at charlie@sidf.co.uk

Deadline for applications – Friday 8 January 2010.

This workshop is very kindly supported by Screen West Midlands - Screen WM is the regional agency which supports, promotes and develops a sustainable and thriving screen media sector in the West Midlands.

FESTIVAL LOST PROPERTY - IS IT YOURS?

A festival bag was left behind containing a notebook, 4 DVDs, a press pack for a film and a Shooting People book.

If this belongs to you, please write to Festival Administrator Kirsty Jennings, kirsty@sidf.co.uk , with a description of the notebook and we will return this to the owner.

If this is not claimed by Wednesday 23 December, all items will be disposed of.

Wednesday 2 December 2009

NORTH-EAST WORKSHOPS - JANUARY 2010

SUSTAIN TRAINING WORKSHOPS IN DURHAM - JANUARY 2010

Sheffield Doc/Fest and Crossover, together with Skillset North’s Sustain programme, are holding further FREE workshops in January 2010 in Durham, examining business models afforded by digital technology in emerging media markets, examining what opportunities exist regionally, nationally and internationally, where obstacles currently lie and what the future may hold. They offer a chance to help participants explore appropriate approaches to building sustainable businesses in the emergent media economy.

Open only to participants based in the Northern Film and Media (North East) region, the workshops are of interest to producers, senior creatives and business development professionals, from film, TV, games, mobile and interactive companies, who are keen to explore the potential of cross-platform collaboration first-hand and gain a greater understanding of new markets.
Places for these workshops are free of charge but extremely limited.

To express interest, and for more information, please email Charlie Phillips at charlie@ sidf.co.uk

Deadline for applications – Friday 8 January 2010.

This workshop has been made possible through the kind support of Skillset North’s Sustain programme.

WIN 'ATP' ON DVD!

We have 4 copies of the newly released, irresistible music documentary 'All Tomorrow's Parties' (ATP) on DVD to give away, in conjunction with WARP.

'All Tomorrow's Parties'- directed by All Tomorrow's People / Jonathan Caouette

Leading and experimental artists from Tortise to Iggy and the Stooges to Sonic Youth played in the fiercely anti-corporate, audience-driven All Tomorrow's Parties (ATP) festival to legions of fans. ‘All Tomorrow’s Parties’ captures some of the more memorable performances and back stage stories, recreating the festival’s unmistakable essence.

"The film, which captures the experience from the perspective of fan, artist, and curator alike, celebrates the uncompromising vitality of this unique festival experience." - Seattle International Film Festival

To be one of the four lucky winners, e-mail marketing@sidf.co.uk with the Subject line 'ATP DVD', and include your postal address and phone number in the body of the e-mail. The first four people to e-mail us get the DVDs!

For more information about the 'All Tomorrow's Parties' DVD and WARP, go to Warp

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

LAST CHANCE TO CONTRIBUTE TO SHEFFIELD'S UK CITY OF CULTURE BID - DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY!

PLEASE MAKE COMMENTS ABOUT DOC/FEST ON SHEFFIELD UK CITY OF CULTURE BID

Sheffield is preparing a bid to become the first UK City of Culture in 2013.
They want to hear what you think is great about Sheffield to include in the bid and also in the general city's Cultural Strategy.

Many people from UK and beyond always tell us they think Doc/Fest should be seen as a jewel in the crown for the city;s cultural activities. So now is your chance to tell that to the decision makers in the city!

So if you believe the Festival should be seen as a major part of cultural stratgey in Sheffield please drop a short comment on the Sheffield City of Culture website.

It can be short and sweet but any support about our standing internationally and the contribution we make to the city is most welcome from eveyone!

Thanks!

Go to: Sheffield City of Culture

Deadline for feedback is FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER.

GET YOUR DOC/FEST GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS!

December is upon us so it's time to starting thinking about Christmas presents and we're to help!

Take a look at our Doc/Fest 2009 merchandise exclusviely designed by the revoluntary Designers Republic.

T-shirts (£10), cotton bags (special offer price of £5) and now Doc/Fest shoulder bags (£15) (previously only available to Doc/Fest delegates) are all available to buy online from the Doc/Fest Shop!

The 2009 Buyers Guide, which includes biographies of over 100 decision-makers - commissioners, buyers, funders, advisors, mentors, distributors and decision-makers - from across the world, has also been made available for you to purchase for £5.

These products make extra special gifts as they are limited editions - and they're selling out fast!

Visit the Doc/Fest Shop to purchase your Doc/Fest merchandise today!

All stated prices exclude postage and packaging.

Wednesday 25 November 2009

CONTRIBUTE TO SHEFFIELD'S UK CITY OF CULTURE BID

PLEASE MAKE COMMENTS ABOUT DOC/FEST ON SHEFFIELD UK CITY OF CULTURE BID

Sheffield is preparing a bid to become the first UK City of Culture in 2013.

They want to hear what you think is great about Sheffield to include in the bid and also in the general city's Cultural Strategy.

Many people from UK and beyond always tell us they think Doc/Fest should be seen as a jewel in the crown for the city;s cultural activities. So now is your chance to tell that to the decision makers in the city!

So if you believe the Festival should be seen as a major part of cultural stratgey in Sheffield please drop a short comment on the Sheffield City of Culture website.

It can be short and sweet but any support about our standing internationally and the contribution we make to the city is most welcome from eveyone!

Thanks!

Go to: www.sheffieldcityofculture.com

Deadline for feedback is 4 December.

C21TV PUBLISHES DOC/FEST SERIES ONLINE

C21TV was in Sheffield to film interviews with speakers, film makers, and delegates at Doc/Fest. The results can be viewed online as part of a factual entertainment season. From 'Moving To Mars' director Mat Whitecross to the BBC’s commissioning editor for documentaries Charlotte Moore, this C21TV online series is worth checking out. You might even catch yourself in shot!

For more information visit:
www.c21media.net/factualseason2009

DOCSWELOVE - 'WOODSTOCK: NOW AND THEN'- LONDON PREMIERE -
SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2009

2:30pm - Renoir, Curzon Cinema

DOCSWELOVE presents the London Premiere of 'WOODSTOCK: NOW AND THEN' + Introduction

Director: Barbara Kopple / USA 2009 / 86 mins / Certificate 18

Taking a look back at the spirit of Woodstock and its influence on today's generation of artists, musicians and politicians, the film features brand new interviews, never-seen footage, photographs, illustrations, and a special tribute performance. Directed by two-time Academy Award-winning director Barbara Kopple.

For tickets or more information
Tel: 0871 703 3991 or see the Doc/Fest website here

STILL TIME TO BUY YOUR DOC/FEST 2009 MERCHANDISE!

Post Festival blues? Or starting to think about Christmas presents?
Doc/Fest t-shirts (£10), cotton bags (£5) and now Doc/Fest shoulder bags (£15) (previously only available to Doc/Fest delegates) are on sale, so get yours now!

Designed by the revoluntary Designers Republic exclusively for Doc/Fest 2009, these products are limited editions and are selling out fast.

The 2009 Buyers Guide, which includes biographies of over 100 decision-makers - commissioners, buyers, funders, advisors, mentors, distributors and decision-makers - from across the world, has also been made available for you to purchase for £5.

To purchase your Doc/Fest merchandise (or Buyers Guide 2009) visit the Doc/Fest Shop online today!

click here to go to the Doc/Fest Shop

All stated prices exclude postage and packaging.

DOC/FEST 2009 VODCAST HIGHLIGHTS NOW ONLINE

Check out the Doc/Fest vodcast highlights on Doc/Fest's Dailymotion homepage, including the Michael Moore Skype Interview.
Go to:

More vodcasts to be uploaded soon!
www.dailymotion.com/sheffielddocfest

AJ SCHNACK'S FILM FESTIVAL SURVEY - HAVE YOUR SAY

A note from AJ Schnack ...

Dear friends in the documentary community

We are preparing to publish a 2nd edition of our film festival survey. Our first edition has been the most popular feature on my blog AJ Schnack's blog and if you google "top film festivals" or "best film festivals", our survey is one of the top 5 results.

But the survey wouldn't exist without your feedback, so I hope you'll take a moment to weigh in on those festivals that you've attended. In particular, I'd like to know your recent experiences, as there has been a sea change in leadership at festivals over the past two years (when we published the first edition).

We want you to be honest and frank about your opinions. You will not be identified and all information is kept in strictest confidence (I've never shared information with programmers or producers of any of the festivals on the list - or anyone else for that matter).

We'd like to know whether a festival suits your needs as a filmmaker, buyer, journalist or industry member? Do they pay for all or part of your expenses (specifics please)? What's the best part of the film festival? What needs improvement?

Below is a partial list of festivals that we are interested in hearing about. Did we miss something? Is there one that you want to shout about (pro or con)? Please tell us.
Thanks in advance for sending your thoughts to us as soon as possible - e-mail:
allthesewonderfulthings@yahoo.com

Deadline for this year's survey is Tuesday 1 December.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Best,
AJ

AFI Dallas
AFI Fest
AFI Silverdocs
Ambulante
AmFest Moscow
Ashland Film Festival
Atlantic Film Festival
Berlin Film Festival
Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
Buenos Aires Film Festival
Camden International Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival
Chicago Film Festival
CineVegas
Cleveland Film Festival
CPH:DOX (Copenhagen)
Denver Film Festival
Doc Lisboa
DOK Liepzig
Dokufest Prizren Kosovo
Edinburgh Film Festival
Full Frame Film Festival
Frameline
Gijon Film Festival
Hamptons Film Festival
Hot Docs
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
IDFA
Independent Film Festival Boston
Jihlava Documentary Film Festival
Locarno Film Festival
Mar del Plata Film Festival
Miami Film Festival
Morelia Film Festival
Nantucket Film Festival
Nashville Film Festival
New Directors/New Films
NewFest
New York Film Festival
Newport Film Festival
Outfest
Palm Springs Film Festival
Pusan Film Festival
Rome Film Festival
San Diego Film Festival
San Francisco Film Festival
Sao Paulo Film Festival
Sarasota Film Festival
Seattle Film Festival
Sheffield Doc/Fest
Slamdance Film Festival
St. Louis Film Festival
Sundance Film Festival
SXSW Film Festival
Telluride
Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival
Toronto Film Festival
Tribeca Film Festival
True/False Film Festival
Venice Film Festival
Woodstock Film Festival

Wednesday 12 August 2009

WELLCOME TRUST PITCH COMPETITION - CALL FOR ENTRIES
The Wellcome Trust Broadcast

Development Awards Pitch is returning to Sheffield Doc/Fest for a second year! Come and pitch your science documentary idea to the Wellcome Trust for a £10,000 prize!

Filmmakers are invited to apply for the chance to pitch an idea about health, biology or medicine to an expert panel. The pitch is open to innovative documentary, game and online projects that can engage large audiences with the impact of biomedical science on our lives and on society.

Awards of up to £10,000 are available and there could be more than one winner! The prize will enable the pitched ideas to be developed into high impact, well-researched proposals to help secure a UK broadcast platform and production funding. The pitch and the announcement of the awards will take place on 7th November as part of the Science at Sheffield programme.

For more information about eligibility and to download an application form please visit www.wellcome.ac.uk/broadcast or email Tom Ziessen t.ziessen@wellcome.ac.uk

Closing date for applications is 9 October 2009.

DOCSWELOVE - SHOOTING ROBERT KING/Q&A - LONDON
SUNDAY 16 AUGUST - RENOIR CINEMA, LONDON - 12pm

Curzon DocDays and Sheffield Doc/Fest, the UK’s key documentary event, present DocsWeLove, a showcase of sneak preview screenings of TV documentaries, alongside exclusive Q&As with their filmmakers.

Director: Richard Parry. Producer: Vaughan Smith / UK 2008 / Certificate: 18 / Duration: 78 minutes

Fifteen years in the making and with eight colleagues lost in the process, Richard Parry’s incredible journey with renowned war photographer Robert King is an explosive insight into war journalism and one of the most gripping narratives of the programme.

Book tickets online Or call the box office on Tel: 0871 703 3991

SANDPIT TOUR ANNOUNCED
Hide and Seek present: The Sandpit Tour 2009

The Sandpit is a curated programme of social games & playful experiences. It's a space where artists can develop, test, and refine play-based projects. We programme events where a variety of different projects complement each other, making it easy for audiences and players to get involved.

The Sandpit is also a network of about 100 artists and Makers who make work of this nature. We are hoping to develop that network over the course of the tour, by inviting artists local to each venue to come and play with us, and run with thier own games where possible.

The Sandpit Tour @ Sheffield Doc/Fest
Thursday 5th November 2009, 6.30 - 10.30pm

Get your craft project ready for 'Stitch and Pitch'

Fancy an opportunity to have a chat and gossip about documentary, and network with fellow delegates, whilst knitting a scarf, cross-stitching a documentary scene, and perhaps having a drink? At this year’s festival, we’re having a special networking session called 'Stitch and Pitch', for you to knit, crochet and cross-stitch, whilst you discuss the docs you’ve seen and the projects you’re pitching. A fun and creative event, but also a chance to meet and discuss ideas with other festival delegates.

So, start thinking about what craft project you might like to bring along! We will be providing wool and thread for beginners, along with expert tutoring courtesy of Sheffield locals Craft Candy, but if you do have a work-in-progress craft project or want to start one now to continue/finish at Doc/Fest, then start thinking about it and get started now! It doesn’t have to be documentary-related, but it’s even better if it is. Recreate your favourite documentary, filmmaker or funder in fabric – be creative!

Sheffield Doc Fest

ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT REELS: FILMMAKING CHALLENGE

ATTACK of the 50 Foot Reels: A very special CALL FOR ENTRIES

Want to make a Super 8 film?
Can you make a documentary in 3 minutes?

Now is your chance to participate in a unique filmmaking challenge, to shoot an edited in-camera documentary around the theme of "Revolution" - on one 50 foot cartridge of Super 8 film.

Based on their entry form responses 30 lucky people will be chosen to participate and will receive their film in early October. They will then have two weeks to shoot and return their documentary film (unprocessed) and design the soundtrack which will be submitted on CD.

Apply by September 18th to have a chance to join the Super 8 REVOLUTION.

DVD GIVEAWAY

Marlene is a documentary about the iconic Marlene Dietrich, directed by Maximilian Schell. An Academy Award Nominee for Best Documentary Feature upon its release in 1984, Marlene is no standard movie star documentary – it is a mystery story, a discourse on truth and fiction, a battle with a sacred monster, a caustic comedy of errors, and the story of the making of a film, all rolled into one.

Requiem for Billy The Kid is a documentary by French film-maker Anne Feinsilber investigating the myth and legend of the American Western outlaw. Kris Kristofferson reprises his role from Sam
Peckinpah’s timeless Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid to impersonate the outlaw as he rises from the dead to give his own account of events. Part poetic evocation, part road-movie and featuring fascinating interviews and footage from classic films, Requiem for Billy The Kid takes an entirely fresh outlook into the American West, both past and present.

Both films are out on DVD now and you can buy from Amazon here

Marlene or Requiem for Billy the Kid

But three lucky winners can win a copy of each by answering the following question:

Who was Billy The Kid gunned down by in 1881?

e-mail your answer using the Subject: DVD GIVEAWAY

Deadline for entries: Tuesday 25 August - 5pm

DEADLINE REMINDERS

Delegate Early Bird Discount - book by 31 August

Secure your place at this year's Sheffield Doc/Fest, the UK’s must-attend documentary event of the year. In 2008 the festival attracted record delegate numbers and passes sold out fast, so book now!

For prices and more information see: www.sheffdocfest.com/registration
MeetMarket - submission deadline: 4 September

MeetMarket is the pitching initiative at Sheffield Doc/Fest, designed to match documentary makers’ most innovative project ideas with UK and international buyers.
Buyers view online one-minute pitch teasers of innovative documentary ideas, along with one-page treatments, in advance of Doc/Fest. From this, they select which projects they would like to discuss in one-to-one meetings at MeetMarket. Projects can be at any stage of development and cross-platform projects are also very welcome.

If you have any queries about applying,Please email Charlie Phillips

Pitch a Theatrical Doc

Does your doc have theatrical ambitions? As part of one this year’s conference sessons, a panel of feature doc producers, financiers and distributors will hear 3 pitches for documentaries with theatrical ambitions and consider, in the most practical terms, their theatrical potential. Those pitching will be chosen from MeetMarket submissions, and the final line-up will be a mix of both those selected for MeetMarket and those not.

The panel will consider whether a project is a big screen experience, whether it will attract theatrical financing in the current market, and how marketable the project is for a distributor. The atmosphere will be one of support and advice.

Projects should have clear theatrical ambitions and will be chosen from MeetMarket submissions, so to be considered, please enter the MeetMarket as normal here

For any queries, please email charlie@sidf.co.uk

Wednesday 29 July, 2009

THE YES MEN FIX SHEFFIELD! - 2009 Channel 4 PITCH ANNOUNCED!

THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD - Live Broadcast Screening across 22 cinemas nationwide!

2009 Channel 4 Pitch Announced!

Early Bird Delegate Passes Are Selling Fast!

Don't Forget to Book Your Accommodation!

Check Out Doc/Fest's New Partner Hide and Seek!

Join Doc/Fest Friends and Family as Branchage performs Film Surgery

We Want You!

THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD - Live Broadcast Screening across 22 cinemas nationwide!

Sheffield Doc/Fest in partnership with Picturehouse Cinemas and Dogwoof are proud to present a very special live broadcast screening of THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD across 22 cinemas nationwide!

Plus ALL film-goers will have the one-off opportunity to meet and talk to The Yes Men themselves, who will be at the Showroom Cinema, Sheffield for a post screening debate with recently confirmed, ex-Caberet Voltaire vocalist Stephen Mallinder.

The Yes Men have an unusual hobby... they pose as top executives of corporations they hate.

Having received standing ovations at its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and winning the Berlin Film Festival’s prestigious Audience Award earlier this year, THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD is a true story that follows a couple of gonzo political activists, armed with nothing but charity-store suits, as they infiltrate the world of big business, smuggling out stories that are shocking and hilarious and pulling off outrageous pranks that highlight the ways that corporate greed is destroying the planet! It is co-directed by the legendary Kurt Engfehr, best known for co-producing and editing Michael Moore's FAHRENHEIT 9/11, and BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE.

Participating screens:

Showroom, Sheffield // Tickets available online or by phone – 0114 275 7727

Arts Picturehouse, Cambridge // Ritzy, Brixton // Greenwich Cinema // The Gate, Notting Hill // Screen on the Green, Islington // Belmont Picturehouse, Aberdeen // Picturehouse, Exeter // Phoenix, Oxford // The Little Theatre Cinema, Bath // Scala, Prestatyn // Regal, Henley // City Screen, York // Cinema City, Norwich // Tyneside, Newcastle // FACT, Liverpool // Duke Of York, Brighton // Dukes, Lancaster // Cameo, Edinburgh // Harbourlights, Southampton // The Clapham Picture House

Tickets for all of these cinemas available online

2009 Channel 4 Pitch Announced!

We are delighted to announce that the Channel 4 pitch is returning to Sheffield Doc/Fest in November after 8 very successful years!

What’s the idea?

Six contenders will compete in front of a panel of television executives, including Channel 4 Commissioning Editors. Everything from the candidates’ CVs to their pitching skills will be under scrutiny. The prize: a 10-12 week placement to direct a half-hour film with a £50 000 budget for Channel 4’s critically-acclaimed documentary new talent strand, ‘First Cut.’

Who is eligible?

You need to be a UK based experienced AP or an up-and-coming director, who has not yet received a Director credit on a network primetime documentary film.

The deadline for applications is FRIDAY 25th SEPTEMBER 2009. No late applications will be accepted. For an application form please email jbotting[at]channel4.co.uk

Early Bird Delegate Passes Are Selling Fast!

EARLY BIRD delegate registration has been open for less than two weeks and passes are selling like hot cakes. So book early! The EARLY BIRD pass remains at the same rate as 2008 which makes Sheffield Doc/Fest outstanding value for money - better than any industry event of this scale in the calendar - the pass gives you access to all films, sessions, festival receptions and parties for five days in November. Once again, we do expect to sell out so get online now to secure your place at the UK's must-attend documentary festival, conference and marketplace.

BUYERS LIST now online!

Already this year, over 100 buyers from 16 different countries have confirmed they will be heading to Sheffield with the majority arriving on Wednesday 4th November in time for the not-to-be-missed Who's Who session where you get a rapid introduction from all the commissioners and buyers attending the festival.

Please click here to view the buyers list.

There'll be more digital and interactive activity this year with a range of international and UK commissioners coming in to Sheffield looking for interactive and crossplatform projects aswell as many sessions in the interactive strand addressing the business of new media aswell as the opportunities and challenges we face in negotiating the rapidly changing digital media landscape. Once again there will be the cross platform pitching competition as well as the inaugural Crossover Summit Day. More to be announced soon.

You get all this for only £180 + VAT as long as you register before the EARLY BIRD deadline - 31 August. If you are a student or concession card holder you can gain a full access pass for only £80 + VAT. Its really easy to register online!

Don't Forget to Book Your Accommodation!

Whilst you’re online, why not find somewhere to lay your head? Each year the hotel rooms in Sheffield are completely sold out during the festival week. There are new hotels being built in Sheffield but with the big increase in delegates attending, the situation will remain the same, so BE QUICK to make sure you get a room.

To make it easier for you, we’ve teamed up with Yorkshire South Tourism who have all the options in one simple place. Click here here to check out their website for more details.

If you require assistance please call Yorkshire South Tourism on 0114 281 1024 or email visitor [at] yorkshiresouth.com

Check Out Doc/Fest's New Partner Hide and Seek!

Doc/Fest are delighted to announce that Hide and Seek have organised a wonderfully playful event, using technology and theatre for this year’s Sheffield Doc/Fest in November!

For a sneaky peak at what they are all about why not head down to the Southbank Centre 31st July - 2nd August 2009 for free social and pervasive games, including the new offering from Nesta.

Teams must shoot each other using cameras, whilst avoiding being shot themselves... Click here to read about all the games.

Following the London Weekender, as well as being in Sheffield this November, The Sandpit Tour will also be hitting Edinburgh, Cardiff, Brighton, Bristol, Liverpool, Southend, Stratford, Nottingham and Newcastle. Come along to join in and have fun!

Also, if you are plugged into gaming communities, please drop them a line at marketing@hideandseekfest.co.uk marketing[at]hideandseekfest.co.uk

The Sandpit Tour is supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

Join Doc/Fest Friends and Family as Branchage performs Film Surgery

Branchage performs Film Surgery at The Hospital Club, in association with Shooting People.

NEXT SURGERY – Wednesday 5th August 6.30 – 8.30pm

Does your short film need emergency first aid attention?

Or perhaps you are feeling a little queasy about distribution?

Have your short examined by industry specialists (including Hannah Patterson, Film Critic for Time Out, Guardian, Vertigo, Sight & Sound, and Philip Ilson, London Short Film Festival Director and Programmer), at Branchage’s Film Surgery, delivered in association with Shooting People. Put your documentary on the operating table to get hands on life saving advice!

To admit yourself to Branchage Short Film Surgery A&E click here

OR if you just want come along and enjoy the gory spectacle, it's FREE just email rosie[at]branchagefestival.com

We Want You!

New Festival Assistant Postions Available!

If you have an interest in film and TV, festivals and event organisation or just want to meet new people, work in a fast paced environment, with a fun high-energy team, then we want you!

We are currently recruiting for our next block of Festival Assistants. This is a 3 month voluntary placement during the busiest period of the festival September – November. This position offers a fantastic and unique opportunity to experience the workings of a world renowned international film festival first hand.

You must be able to commit to at least 2 days per week for the minimum 3 month period. Office hours are 10am – 6pm.

Duties include, assisting industry professionals on the phone, processing film submissions, updating our website, assisting with marketing campaigns, and updating our database. This is a great opportunity to work closely with the festival team in the planning phase of the festival, gain valuable office experience, and develop relationships within the industry.

For more information and to apply for the position, please send your CV and cover letter, to kirsty[at]sidf.co.uk by Monday 3rd August.

Wednesday 15 July, 2009

Early bird discounts online now, Doc/Fest screenings all over the country...its all happening!

2009 Doc/Fest Delegate Registrations Now Open

Book Your Festival Accommodation

Tickets on Sale for THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD

docsWElove GIRL FIGHTS at Curzon Renoir, London

2009 Doc/Fest Delegate Registrations Now Open

EARLY BIRD delegate registration is now open for Sheffield Doc/Fest 2009. The EARLY BIRD pass remains at the same rate as 2008 which makes Sheffield Doc/Fest outstanding value for money - better than any industry event of this scale in the calendar - the pass gives you access to all films, sessions, festival receptions and parties for five days in November. Once again, we do expect to sell out so get online now to secure your place at the UK's must-attend documentary festival, conference and marketplace.

Already this year, over 100 buyers from 16 different countries have confirmed they will be heading to Sheffield with the majority arriving on Wednesday 4th November in time for the not-to-be-missed Who's Who session where you get a rapid introduction from all the commissioners and buyers attending the festival.

There'll be more digital and interactive activity this year with a range of international and UK commissioners coming in to Sheffield looking for interactive and crossplatform projects as well as many sessions in the interactive strand addressing the business of new media as well as the opportunities and challenges we face in negotiating the rapidly changing digital media landscape. Once again there will be the cross platform pitching competition as well as the inaugural Crossover Summit Day. More to be announced soon.

You get all this for only £180 + VAT as long as you register before the EARLY BIRD deadline - 31 August. If you are a student or concession card holder you can gain a full access pass for only £80 + VAT. Its really easy to register online!

Book Your Festival Accommodation

And while you’re online, why not check out where to stay when you’re in Sheffield? Each year, hotel rooms in the city are completely sold out during the festival week. So to make it easier for you to find a comfortable place to lay your head, we’ve teamed up with Yorkshire South Tourism who have all the options in one simple place. Check out the website for more details.

Tickets on Sale for THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD

20 cinemas will take part in a live screening of THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD and debate with The Yes Men on Tuesday 11 August 2009.

Sheffield Doc/Fest, in partnership with Picturehouse Cinemas and Dogwoof invite you to a special screening of THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD, including the opportunity to put questions to the Yes Men themselves, who will be live via satellite from Sheffield to Picturehouse Cinemas across the UK.

Having received standing ovations at its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and winning the Berlin Film Festival’s prestigious Audience Award earlier this year, the hilariously shocking THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD is a true story that follows a couple of gonzo political activists, armed with nothing but charity-store suits, as they infiltrate the world of big business, smuggling out stories that are shocking and hilarious and pulling off outrageous pranks that highlight the ways that corporate greed is destroying the planet!

The sequel to 2004’s, THE YES MEN, it is co-directed by legendary documentarian Kurt Engfehr, best-known for co-producing and editing Michael Moore's ‘Fahrenheit 9/11’, and ‘Bowling For Columbine’.

The Yes Men themselves will take part in a debate with Stephen Mallinder, former vocalist and founding member of Cabaret Voltaire at The Sheffield Showroom Cinema - you can put questions to the panel from any participating screen!

Participating screens:

Showroom, Sheffield // Tickets available online or by phone – 0114 275 7727

Arts Picturehouse, Cambridge // Ritzy, Brixton // Greenwich Cinema // The Gate, Notting Hill // Screen on the Green, Islington // Belmont Picturehouse, Aberdeen // Picturehouse, Exeter
Phoenix, Oxford // The Little Theatre Cinema, Bath // Scala, Prestatyn // Regal, Henley // City Screen, York // Cinema City, Norwich // Tyneside, Newcastle // FACT, Liverpool // Duke Of York, Brighton // Dukes, Lancaster // Cameo, Edinburgh // Harbourlights, Southampton // tickets for all of these cinemas available online

docsWElove GIRL FIGHTS at Curzon Renoir, London

Sheffield Doc/Fest is collaborating with Curzon Cinemas to present TV documentaries rarely found on the big screen alongside exclusive q + a’s with filmmakers. In our 16th year, we have extended our activities throughout the year and across the UK. Now, for the first time, hosting regular sneak preview documentary screenings in London so we can bring the docsWElove to London’s best-loved cinemas! 12pm, Sunday 19th July, 2009 - 'GIRL FIGHTS' – A BBC Storyville from Minnow Films

Cage Fighting (or Mixed Martial Arts as it’s also known) is one of the world’s fastest growing sports. It is brutal, violent, shocking, some say barbaric, but ultimately hugely popular. Inside the cage, punching, kneeing, kicking, elbowing and choking are all allowed - in fact, very little isn’t. Whilst men dominate the sport, female fights are now becoming an increasing attraction.

GIRL FIGHTS follows the fortunes of two British female fighters as they travel to America for the biggest bouts of their lives. Both women have their own reasons for stepping into the cage and both are prepared to lay their safety on the line in search of glory…

The screening will be followed by a q + a with Director Nick Holt and Producer David Brindley

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE
Curzon Renoir Cinema
Brunswick Centre, London, WC1N 1AW

Tuesday 7 July, 2009

Another Doc/Fest deadline approaches... Your opportunity to submit a session idea for the 2009 Festival ends tomorrow! Plus, book your ticket to 'Girl Fights', the first of our monthly screenings at Curzon Cinemas in London.

Session Submissions Close TOMORROW 08.07.2009

docsWElove - 'Girl Fights' at Curzon in London

Doc/Fest Website RSS Feeds Live

Don't Miss Out! Book Your Festival Accommodation

Advertise with Doc/Fest - Early Bird Rates Available Now

Submit to MeetMarket

Early Bird Registration Opens Soon

Our partners Dogwoof present Burma VJ Premiere

Session Submissions Close TOMORROW 08.07.2009

Doc/Fest has always been a festival owned by the documentary community with dozens of people donating their time to produce, moderate and speak on sessions.

We welcome ideas that you think are important to be discussed. If you have an idea for a session you would like to produce at the festival - it can be craft-based, case studies, debates or masterclasses, make sure to submit it online by tomorrow.

SUBMIT A SESSION IDEA. Submissions close 6pm, Wednesday 8 July.

docsWElove - 'Girl Fights' at Curzon in London

Sheffield Doc/Fest is collaborating with Curzon Cinemas to present TV documentaries rarely found on the big screen alongside exclusive q + a’s with filmmakers. In our 16th year, we have extended our activities throughout the year and across the UK. Now, for the first time, hosting regular sneak preview documentary screenings in London so we can bring the docsWElove to London’s best-loved cinema!

'Girl Fights' – A BBC Storyville documentary from Minnow Films
Saturday, 19 July at 12pm. Q&A with director Nick Holt and producer David Brindley

Cage Fighting (or Mixed Martial Arts as it’s also known) is one of the world’s fastest growing sports. It is brutal, violent, shocking, some say barbaric, but ultimately hugely popular. Inside the cage, punching, kneeing, kicking, elbowing and choking are all allowed - in fact, very little isn’t. Whilst men dominate the sport, female fights are now becoming an increasing attraction.

'Girl Fights' follows the fortunes of two British female fighters as they travel to America for the biggest bouts of their lives. Both women have their own reasons for stepping into the cage and both are prepared to lay their safety on the line in search of glory…

Curzon Renoir Cinema Brunswick Centre, London, WC1N 1AW. Screenings continue monthly, stay tuned for details.

Doc/Fest Website RSS Feeds Live

You can now subscribe to all our blogs, and latest news, because our RSS feeds are ready and in action! Check out the website for more.

Don't Miss Out! Book Your Festival Accommodation

Each year hotel rooms in Sheffield sell out during the Festival. Ensure you don't miss out on a room by booking your accommodation as soon as possible. You are able to book your accommodation for the dates of Sheffield Doc/Fest FROM FRIDAY 10 JULY on our website. By doing this, you will have access to special Festival rates. We look forward to welcoming you in November!

Advertise with Doc/Fest - Early Bird Rates Available Now

We produce two main publications for the Festival. All are designed by the award-winning, Sheffield based, The Designers Republic.

Advertisers can reach 235,000 general public through our Festival magazine, distributed inside The Independent Newspaper UK-wide and up to 1,700 Industry Delegates via our Industry Catalogue (The 'Delegate Bible') and Delegate Bag.

Festival publications list valuable industry information including contacts and are used extensively by delegates year-round as a reference tool.

We are currently offering Early Bird ad rates, which offer a significant discount on standard rates. For details, contact Marketing & Business Director, Melanie Crawley

Submit to MeetMarket

Submissions to Doc/Fest's 2009 MeetMarket are still open. For full advice and tips on how to make your application the best, see our MeetMarket advice online.

SUBMIT YOUR 2009 MEETMARKET APPLICATION ONLINE NOW. Submissions close 4 September, 2009.

Take a look at what people thought of the 2008 MeetMarket. For more info contact Doc/Fest's Marketplace Producer Charlie Phillips.

Early Bird Registration Opens Soon

Don't forget - pop the date in your diary to get your pass for this year's Doc/Fest! Once again we're offering excellent value for Doc/Fest with all films, sessions, parties and sidebars included in the price of your pass - only £180 + VAT before 1st September. Last year we sold out of passes so get your quickly...

Registrations open on 15th July £180 + vat (£215 + vat after 1st September)

Our partners Dogwoof present Burma VJ Premiere

On Tuesday 14 July, The Co-operative, in association with Dogwoof, will be hosting the nationwide Saffron Premiere of Burma VJ. Forty cinemas across the country, including one near you, will be linked live to BAFTA in London, where the evening will kick off with an introduction from Vivienne Westwood before a screening of the film, to be followed by a panel discussion including the filmmaker and the main undercover Burmese VJ from the film. Find the closest participating cinema to you. Be quick, some cinemas are already selling out!

Burma VJ is one of the most powerful films you are likely to see this year. Going beyond the occasional news clip from Burma, the acclaimed filmmaker, Anders Østergaard, brings us close to Burma’s video journalists who insist on keeping up the flow of news from their closed country despite risking torture and life in jail. Armed with small handycams they make their undercover reportages, smuggle the material out of the country, have it broadcast back into Burma via satellite and offered as free usage for international media.

For more information, please visit the Burma VJ website. Dogwoof are partnering with Doc/Fest to bring a nationwide screening of Yes Men Fix The World in August - see the next e-news for more info.

Wednesday 1 July, 2009

Film submissions are closing TODAY at Midnight GMT. But that's not the only exciting thing happening at Doc/Fest this week...

There's still time to book tickets to Kim Longinotto's 'Rough Aunties' at the BFI in London, to submit to the MeetMarket or to take part in the Yorkshire Pitch Workshop.

Film Submission Close TODAY at Midnight GMT

Rough Aunties BFI Screening - Still Time to Book

Submit to MeetMarket

Advertise with Doc/Fest - Early Bird Rates Available Now

Doc/Fest Travels

Doc/Fest Delegate Registrations - Opening Soon

Yorkshire Pitch Workshop - July 21 & 23, 2009

Channel 4 Pitchers Coming To a Screen Near You!

docsWElove - 'Girl Fights' at Curzon in London

Documentary Filmmaker Arrested in Iran

Film Submission Close TODAY at Midnight GMT

Over 1200 films have been submitted to be part of the official programme for Doc/Fest 2009. Phew! Our previewers (not to mention our Film Programmer) have a few long nights ahead of them. To be in the running make sure your films are entered on the website and your films are postmarked on or before July 1.

Rough Aunties BFI Screening - Still Time to Book

Doc/Fest is proud to present a special screening of Kim Longinotto's 'Rough Aunties' at the BFI Southbank on Thursday 2 July at 6.20pm.

Once again Longinotto has managed to bring us an intimate portrait of change from Africa, this time from the new post-apartheid South Africa, a nation being transformed with hope and energy into a new democracy. The film fought of stiff competition to win the World Grand Jury Prize at this year's Sundance.

Channel 4's Head of Documentaries, Hamish Mykura, will introduce the film and host the post-screening Q&A. Tickets can be booked online, by phone on 020 7928 3232 or in person at the BFI box office. Further information about the film can be found at the BFI website.

Submit to MeetMarket

Submissions to Doc/Fest's 2009 MeetMarket are still open. For full advice and tips on how to make your application the best, see our MeetMarket advice online.

SUBMIT YOUR 2009 MEETMARKET APPLICATION ONLINE NOW. Submissions close 4 September, 2009.

Take a look at what people thought of the 2009 MeetMarket. For more info contact Doc/Fest's Marketplace ProducerCharlie Phillips

Advertise with Doc/Fest - Early Bird Rates Available Now

We produce two main publications for the Festival. All are designed by the award-winning, Sheffield based, The Designers Republic. Advertisers can reach 235,000 general public through our Festival magazine, distributed inside The Independent Newspaper UK-wide and up to 1,700 Industry Delegates via our Industry Catalogue (The 'Delegate Bible') and Delegate Bag.

Festival publications list valuable industry information including contacts and are used extensively by delegates year-round as a reference tool.

We are currently offering Early Bird ad rates, which offer a significant discount on standard rates. For details, contact Marketing & Development Manager, Freya Waterson.

Doc/Fest Travels

After a busy June where Doc/Fest staff turned up at Documentarist, the Krakow Film Market, Silverdocs, Edinburgh IFF and Sunnyside, we're (mostly) back in the UK this month. Except for Charlie - you can find him here:

Documentary in Europe (Bardonecchia, Italy)Marketplace Producer Charlie Phillips will be attending.

Doc/Fest Delegate Registrations - Opening Soon

The 16th Doc/Fest will be held in Sheffield from 4-8 November 2009. Don't miss out on the UK’s must-attend documentary event of the year.

Registrations are open from 15 July.

Registering as a delegate gets you:

Access to all film screenings in the festival programme
Access to all conference programme sessions
Access to parties and social events
Access to key international documentary buyers
Your details published in the Delegate Guide
Delegate bag, Festival Catalogue, and Delegate Guide
Wi-Fi in the Delegate Centre

In 2008, registrations SOLD OUT, so be sure to register early.
Register online from 15 July – 31 August to receive the special Early Bird rate of £180 + VAT.

Yorkshire Pitch Workshop - July 21 & 23, 2009

Sheffield Doc/Fest is inviting documentary producers and filmmakers from Yorkshire and the North West to take part in a special FREE workshop over three days from July 21 - 23 in Sheffield, offering complete preparation for getting your factual project funded internationally.

This workshop is open to all levels of experience from New Entrants to established producers and directors, but participants must be based in the Screen Yorkshire (Yorkshire and Humber) or North West Vision regions. For further information, see the website.

Places for this workshop are very limited. To express interest, email Doc/Fest's Marketplace Producer Charlie Phillips with a one-page pitch for a factual/documentary project and brief information about yourself.

This workshop has been made possible through the kind support of Screen Yorkshire & North West Vision & Media.

Channel 4 Pitchers Coming To a Screen Near You!

The next run of First Cut, Channel 4's doc strand for new directors, kicks off this Friday 26th June, at 7.30pm. And it features not one, nor two, but THREE projects pitched in last year's Channel 4 pitch. They are:

Wild Things directed by Adam Hopkins at Raw TV - Friday 19th July, 7.30pm

The Grand Piano Scam directed by Susannah Price (the pitch winner) at Minnow Films - Friday 24th July, 7.30pm

How do I say Goodbye directed by Chris Eley at True Vision Films - Friday 4th September, 7.30

We're proud of them all. And there may be more FCs arising from the pitch too, so watch this space! And for this year's C4 pitch, stay tuned for more details soon...

docsWElove - 'Girl Fights' at Curzon in London

Sheffield Doc/Fest is collaborating with Curzon Cinemas to present TV documentaries rarely found on the big screen alongside exclusive q + a’s with filmmakers. In our 16th year, we have extended our activities throughout the year and across the UK. Now, for the first time, hosting regular sneak preview documentary screenings in London so we can bring the docsWElove to London’s best-loved cinema!

'Girl Fights' – A BBC Storyville from Minnow Films
Saturday, 19 July at 12pm

Cage Fighting (or Mixed Martial Arts as it’s also known) is one of the world’s fastest growing sports. It is brutal, violent, shocking, some say barbaric, but ultimately hugely popular. Inside the cage, punching, kneeing, kicking, elbowing and choking are all allowed - in fact, very little isn’t.

Whilst men dominate the sport, female fights are now becoming an increasing attraction.

'Girl Fights' follows the fortunes of two British female fighters as they travel to America for the biggest bouts of their lives. Both women have their own reasons for stepping into the cage and both are prepared to lay their safety on the line in search of glory…

Curzon Renoir Cinema Brunswick Centre, London, WC1N 1AW. Screenings continue monthly, stay tuned for details.

Documentary Filmmaker Arrested in Iran

Documentary filmmaker Maziar Bahari was arrested in Iran this week.

Bahari is the award winning filmmaker of celebrated works such as: 'And along came a Spider', 'The Fall of a Shah', 'Sistani, Object of Emulation', 'Children of Abu Ghraib' and 'An Iranian Odyssey'.

Bahari, a Canadian citizen, is based in London and is expecting his first child in 6 months. He was in Iran making a documentary about the Iranian election, where he was detained without charge by Iranian authorities, but has not been heard from since.

Doc/Fest would like to encourage people to not only spare their thoughts for Bahari and his family but to demand his release via any social network that you may be part of.

Monday 15 June, 2009

Film Submission's Deadline Extended to July 1, 2009!

Who said the economy is killing documentary?

Despite the world’s finances Sheffield Doc/Fest witnesses its highest number of film submission to date. With so many great docs pouring in we’ve decided to keep the trend going and extend our submissions deadline to 6pm, 1st July.

This is a great opportunity to get your film screened to Sheffield's renowned audience and to get the attention of the 1500+ UK and international delegates that attend Doc/Fest each year looking for a discovery.

To be in the running make sure your films are entered onlineand your films are postmarked on or before July 1 to ensure yours gets under the nose of our programmer.

For questions about our the film submissions process please get in touch with our Film Programmer, Hussain Currimbhoy

There's no time like the present - so get your films into Doc/Fest now!

MeetMarket Submissions Open Now

MeetMarket is Doc/Fest's pitching initiative designed to match documentary makers' most innovative project ideas with UK and international buyers.

Projects can be at any stage from early development to rough cut, and don’t need to have financing secured. Producers can be from anywhere in the world and we welcome international submissions. Projects can also be in any genre of documentary/factual, from factual entertainment through to art/installation documentaries. We especially welcome cross-platform projects.

For full advice and tips on how to make your application the best, see our MeetMarket advice online. You can also see how much people enjoyed the MeetMarket in 2008.

SUBMIT YOUR 2009 MEETMARKET APPLICATION ONLINE NOW

Submissions close 4 September, 2009.

For more info contact Doc/Fest's Marketplace Producer Charlie Phillips.

Rough Aunties BFI Screening

Doc/Fest is proud to present a special screening of Kim Longinotto's 'Rough Aunties' at the BFI Southbank on Thursday 2 July at 6.20pm.

Fearless, feisty and resolute, the "Rough Aunties" are a remarkable group of women unwavering in their stand to protect and care for the abused, neglected and forgotten children of Durban, South Africa. This newest documentary by internationally acclaimed director Kim Longinotto ('Sisters In Law', 'Divorce Iranian Style') follows the outspoken, multiracial cadre of Thuli, Mildred, Sdudla, Eureka and Jackie, as they wage a daily battle against systemic apathy, corruption and greed to help the most vulnerable and disenfranchised of their communities. Neither politics, nor social or racial divisions stand a chance against the united force of the women.

Once again Longinotto has managed to bring us an intimate portrait of change from Africa, this time from the new post-apartheid South Africa, a nation being transformed with hope and energy into a new democracy. The film fought of stiff competition to win the World Grand Jury Prize at this year's Sundance.

Tickets can be booked online, by phone on 020 7928 3232 or in person at the box office. Further information about the film can be found at the BFI website.

Yorkshire Pitch Workshop - July 21 - 23, 2009

Sheffield Doc/Fest is inviting documentary producers and filmmakers from Yorkshire and the North West to take part in a special FREE workshop over three days from July 21 - 23 in Sheffield, offering complete preparation for getting your factual project funded internationally. This workshop is open to all levels of experience from New Entrants to established producers and directors, but participants must be based in the Screen Yorkshire (Yorkshire and Humber) or North West Vision regions.

This workshop is an intensive introduction to all of the Marketplace and pitching activities at Doc/Fest, and to wider opportunities in international documentary pitching and funding. It is an exclusive window into the priorities of the international documentary market and a chance to pitch your ideas to the Doc/Fest team, develop your projects and presentation style, and prepare for getting international support from funders.

Projects can be at any stage of development. Last year's workshops led directly to 7 of the 21 UK projects eventually selected for MeetMarket. There are also many other opportunities to pitch your project at Sheffield if you are not in the MeetMarket and this workshop will help you prepare for all the market opportunities at the festival.

Places for this workshop are very limited. To express interest, email Doc/Fest's Marketplace Producer Charlie Phillips. with a one-page pitch for a factual/documentary project and brief information about yourself.

This workshop has been made possible through the kind support of Screen Yorkshire & North West Vision & Media.

Work at Doc/Fest

Sheffield Doc/Fest is the UK's premier documentary festival, market and conference. Doc/Fest delivers events all year round with the major event, the festival, over 5 days in November. The festival team is small and prides itself on the boutique nature of the festival and the year round excellent service it provides the industry and audience.

We are currently advertising 2 permanent positions both with an application deadline of 17 June:

General Manager
Full time position based in Sheffield, approx £28,500 pa.
Reporting to the Festival Director, the General Manager is a key part of the senior management team alongside the Director and Business/Marketing Director.

Marketing Coordinator
11months per year, based in Sheffield £18,000 pa pro rata.
The Marketing Coordinator will work with the Marketing and Business Director and Festival Director to deliver the festival’s year round marketing and sponsorship strategy.

Please see the jobs page on our website for detailed job and person specifications.

Don't miss out - book your Festival accommodation ASAP

Each year hotel rooms in Sheffield sell out during the Festival. Ensure you don't miss out on a room by booking your accommodation as soon as possible.

You will be able to book your accommodation for the dates of Sheffield Doc/Fest from Wednesday 1st July on our website. By doing this, you will have access to special Festival rates.

We look forward to welcoming you in November!