What People Say About Us
"…one of the biggest events in the international documentary calendar."
Charlotte Moore, BBC blog
"For documentary filmmakers, media professionals and non-fiction loving audiences, Sheffield Doc/Fest 2011 was just about as good as it gets."
Jennifer Merin, About.com
"This year’s Sheffield Doc/Fest marked two firsts: the festival’s shift up the calendar from November to June, and the inauguration of its Lifetime Achievement award. Both bets paid off splendidly."
Nick Bradshaw Sight & Sound (BFI)
“Clearly (Doc/Fest is) becoming the place to come for documentaries internationally. Is it becoming the Cannes of documentary festivals?""
Jason Solomons, Guardian Film Podcast
"As the sun shone over Sheffield, in almost every corner was a feeling that documentary was no longer having to work quite so hard to justify its existence in relation to its glamorous older brother, fictional movies."
Danny Leigh, Guardian.co.uk
“With over 2000 delegates attending and a total of 114 documentary films screening of the course of five days, this year’s Sheffield Doc/Fest is a testament to the ongoing power and survival of the documentary film.”
Joe Cohen, i-D online
"Whether you’re looking to make contacts, pitch for funding or sell your film, Sheffield Doc Fest is the place to be."
Lara Smallman, Ideas Tap
"With one of its strongest programmes yet, an industry platform second to none and a new home in June, this year’s Sheffield Doc/Fest proved to be its most exciting yet."
The International Film Guide
"Now in its 18th year Sheffield Doc/Fest brought together an eclectic programme of international documentaries, premieres and masterclasses..."
Sophie Brown, Little White Lies
“ Sheffield is world famous. I tell my friends I’m coming here and they say to bring me back a fork.”
Joan Rivers
“Documentary films remain one of the most important ways of sharing information, ideas, and opinions with the rest of the world. The Sheffield International Documentary Festival is building an increasing reputation as a forum for the world’s documentaries."
Michael Palin
“Britain’s premier showcase for new documentaries from around the world.”
Sean O’Hagan, The Observer
“The fastest, most efficient participant process I have ever come across.”
Michael Parenti, Artificial Eyes
“One of the world’s top destinations for documentary film-making, this is now as much an industry event as a public one, but the 130-strong lineup also guarantees good post-screening discussions.”
Steve Rose, The Guardian Guide
“Sheffield Doc/Fest has become the most important entry in the calendar of film-makers, producers, directors, buyers, commissioners and distributors, not only from Britain but all over the world.”
Simon Usbourne, The Independent“Thank you for having us at Sheffield and giving us one of the greatest festival experiences we've had in a long time. It was absolutely wonderful.”
Morgan Spurlock
“Thank you for making what has now officially become the best festival I have ever attended. It truly felt as though I was part of something historic and epic - especially when we witnessed Albert Maysles receiving his lifetime achievement award. So many incredible events, masterclasses and amazing films - the choice was mind blowing.
Afarin Eghbal, Director of Abuelas
“[The festival] has grown into an incredibly important event for projects-in-development to get funding and resources, a localized point for industry networking and mentoring, and a chance for industry professionals and the Yorkshire public to see some of the most provocative documentary films the world has to offer.”
Bryce Renninger, IndieWire
“Sheffield Doc/Fest – an inspiring and timely reminder of the range, breadth, effect and joy of documentaries. From political investigative journalism to meditative personal stories, and interactive web films to large-scale cinematic visions, Doc/Fest has it all by the bucket load.”
Branchage Film Festival Blog
“If you want to meet the best new talent, rub shoulders with hot commissioning editors, find a co-production partner, debate the future of documentary or enjoy really great films and programmes then why haven't you booked your ticket already?"
John McVay, Chief Executive, Pact
“Sheffield Doc/Fest has an international reputation within the film and television industries for being the must-attend event. DocFest has established itself as a festival of the future, with successful initiatives such as Crossover UK developing digital and interactive projects to combine storytelling skills of filmmaking with new kinds of interactivity, made possible by emerging technology. This a very exciting time for the future of documentary and DocFest is at the fore-front of using innovative cross-platform ideas in docs. Exactly what commissioning editors are excited to see."
Dom Joly“Sheffield Doc/Fest does what is says on the tin. It celebrates, debates and sleeps, eats and breathes documentary washed down with a surfeit of festiveness. It is a jewel in the Film and TV Festival calendar."
Dawn Airey
“Doc/Fest [has been lifted] into the premier league of international doc events, joining the front rank alongside Amsterdam's Intl. Documentary Film Festival and Toronto's Hot Docs."
Adam Dawtry, Variety“Year by year Doc/Fest grows in breadth and scope. It is a remarkable event totally recognised by the industry and highly regarded by the media as a whole. Miss it and you miss out."
Alan Powell, Editor of The Sheffield Telegraph
“This is such an significant festival for all documentary producers. It has never been more important to keep the documentary form alive and kicking for a 21st century audience"
Lorraine Heggessey
“Sheffield is that rare thing - a genuine meeting-place where creative people can get together on equal terms and celebrate excellence: a real treat." “The festival is a must for anyone wishing to break into the British documentary industry and the event is poised to continue on as a major stop on the documentary festival circuit."Roly Keating