We are very proud to work with local community groups and facilitators to bring the festival to new audiences each year, engaging local people in documentary film and art.
Alongside our festival programme of films, talks and exhibitions, we also deliver events in partnership with people who live in our city, including workshops and discussions, performances, inclusive screenings and more.
Get in Touch
We are keen to grow our community programme and develop new relationships across South Yorkshire and the wider local community.
If you’re interested in getting involved, are thinking of bringing your community group to the festival, and want to find out how to make that possible, find out more below and get in touch with our team at community@sheffdocfest.com
Working with local communities
We work with a range of organisations to help engage the local community in DocFest, from youth groups and community centres, to sports clubs and artist collectives. In previous editions we've worked with organisations such as Slambarz, SADACCA, Sheffield Carers Centre and Sheffield Film Co-op.
If you’re part of a local group or community organisation that would like to get involved, send us an email at community@sheffdocfest.com
Some of the ways you can get involved include:
Ticket offers for your community/group
Community workshops, discussions, performances and events
Exhibition tours
Group festival bookings
Click here to take a look at our 2024 programme of workshops and special activities.
Local businesses
Are you a local business or venue who would like to support, sponsor or attend the 2025 festival?
We have marketing and sponsorship opportunities and can also offer group booking discounts for your staff.
Please reach out to us at getinvolved@sheffdocfest.com
Schools, Colleges and Universities
If you are thinking of bringing your school, college, or university to the festival, and want to find out how to make that possible, click here to find out more.
Year-Round Screenings & Events
Our Year-Round Screening & Events programme is dedicated to championing the work of documentary filmmakers, and bringing documentary cinema to audiences, all year-round. See our schedule of upcoming events.
See our upcoming events
Youth Jury
The DocFest Youth Jury Programme helps to give young people the chance to enter the film industry. It gives young film enthusiasts the opportunity to meet key figures within the industry, curate a selection of films for the Festival, and select the winner of the Youth Jury Award announced at the Sheffield DocFest Awards Ceremony.
Applications for our 2025 cohort are now open!
Apply for our 2025 cohort now
Local Advisory Group
As part of our on-going mission to make our festival welcoming, accessible and enjoyable to all, we launched our Local Advisory Group - a panel of people from across the South Yorkshire region who attend the festival, provide feedback on their experience, and help inform future festivals to come.
Applications for our 2025 cohort will open in January 2025.
Meet our 2024 cohort
DocCrew Volunteering Programme
Volunteer applications for the 2025 festival will open in March 2025. Volunteering at the festival is a great way to gain valuable experience, make new connections and learn more about how the film, arts and events world works.
Find out more
