Explore the Programme 2026

A still from the film TAKKUUK, which features a woman and inventive colours.

Film Programme

This year's programme features 104 films from around the world, exploring individual and collective lives, how we live, the world around us and the ways it is changing.

An audience watches an event at Sheffield DocFest.

Talks

Bringing you the very best live events. Sit in on conversations with famous faces from film and TV, and enjoy premieres and first-looks of upcoming films, series, and podcasts. Not to be missed!

Woman with short dark hair smiles and points towards something out of shot to the left

Films + Conversations

Join film-inspired unique events! Explore our film screenings followed by extended conversations with special guests and performances.

Text reads: "The Big Sheffield Build" and the dates 23rd - 31st May

Sheffield of Stories

This May half-term (23–31 May), we've teamed up with The National Videogame Museum and Minecraft artist Adam Clarke to recreate Sheffield in Minecraft - and we need your help! Join The Big Sheffield Build and remake your favourite Sheffield landmark, past, present or future, block by block. Grab your pickaxe and start building!

A still from the Sheffield of Stories Alternate Realities event.

Alternate Realities Exhibition

Gaming multi-worlds and immersive storytelling collide in this year's Alternate Realities, Sheffield DocFest's XR strand. Explore powerful works that blur the lines between documentary, narrative and gaming, plus get rare insight into pioneering projects still in development.
Headshot of Chris Packham with Lucy Taylor.

Podcast Stories

The Podcast Stories programme showcases the most exciting voices in audio documentary. Join a Podcast Live event to witness recordings in real time, hear first-listen episodes of new podcast series and discuss how the world of non-fiction audio is evolving with creators and hosts.

A Thoroughly Horrible Morning

GEN DocFest

Say hello to GEN DocFest - our brand new programme strand packed with events for children, families and young people!

Films

104 films from around the world, exploring individual and collective lives, how we live, the world around us and the ways it is changing.

All Films A-Z
A still from the film TAKKUUK, which features a woman and inventive colours.

Film Topics

View all of the 2026 films by topic.

Film by topic
A still from the film Bugboy.

Talks

We bring the most exciting, cutting-edge, acclaimed and provocative talent to Sheffield DocFest to discuss their work.

All Talks A-Z
A crowd of people in a dark auditorium watch a Sheffield DocFest event.

Alternate Realities

Gaming multi-worlds and immersive storytelling collide in this year's Alternate Realities, Sheffield DocFest's XR strand. Explore powerful works that blur the lines between documentary, narrative and gaming, plus get rare insight into pioneering projects still in development.
 

Find out more
A still from the Sheffield of Stories Alternate Realities event.

Accessible Events

English Subtitled Screenings
English Subtitled Screenings

Relaxed Screenings
Relaxed Screenings

Events with Live Captions
Events with Live Captions

Events with Audio Description
Events with Audio Description

Events with Descriptive Subtitles
Events with Descriptive Subtitles

BSL Interpreted Events
BSL Interpreted Events

Participation & Engagement

From interactive workshops to special performances and exhibitions, our Participation & Engagement Programme offers inspiring, inclusive events for everyone.

Find out more
A group of people performing as a neighbourhood choir, dressed in pink.

Industry

Last year, the festival welcomed nearly 2500 industry delegates from 80 countries. This year, it’s going to be even bigger than better. 

Look out for our Industry Programme Launch on 6 May 2026.

Find out more
Busy room full of people sat on chairs, facing away from the camera. In the distance, a panel of people sit on a stage talking with microphones.

Our Partners