Event Preview: Sheffield Doc/Fest

November 4-8
The Workstation, Sheffield, U.K.

Starting today, the international documentary community will come together in Sheffield for five days to celebrate the art and business of documentary making. Part film festival, part industry session program and part marketplace, Sheffield Doc/Fest offers pitching opportunities, discussion panels and filmmaker master classes, along with screenings of docs from across the globe.

"The U.K. cares about docs, about real life and about what goes on under the radar," says Hussain Currimbhoy, the event’s film programmer. "The international documentary community comes to us to find good stories and filmmakers, but also because it’s a really fun event. Filmmakers come away from it feeling rejuvenated about their projects. That’s what we want!"

This year, its 16th in operation, Doc/Fest presents films from more than 21 countries, with 19 world premieres, two international premieres, eight E.U. premieres and 45 British debuts. There are some 1,600 delegates expected to attend, including 160 buyers, filmmakers, executives, critics and entrepreneurs. Another important contingent for the festival is members of the public, who come to screen the docs simply because they enjoy the genre. "Doc/Fest is well known to the public audience of Sheffield," says Currimbhoy. "Indeed, industry comes to buy and sell films, to meet with their peers and to discuss the current state of documentary. But filmmakers come all the way over to the U.K. to show their films because they want to know what Sheffield audiences think. Sheffield’s interpretations and opinions are so different to elsewhere around the world. We’re known for it. It’s our strength."

A notable highlight on the film roster is Michael Moore’s Capitalism: A Love Story, which will screen at Sheffield’s Showroom Cinemas on November 7. Further highlights for the film screenings include Taqwacore: The Birth of Punk Islam from Omar Majeed, Winnebago Man from Ben Steinbauer, Sons of Cuba from Andrew Lang and Kings of Pastry from Chris Hegedus and D. A. Pennebaker. "We are showing doc-installations in the Site Gallery, and films and archive material in The Moor for the first time, engaging with public more than ever," says Currimbhoy. "That is the most exciting thing for me."

This year boasts more than 200 speakers on 50-plus panels for the event’s sessions and master classes. Master classes this year include RJ Cutler on the making of The September Issue, Penny Woolcock on 1 Day, Leslie Woodhead on How The Beatles Rocked The Kremlin and Franny Armstrong for The Age of Stupid. Editor Nick Fenton and producer Luke Morris will give an insight into the making of All Tomorrow’s Parties, a Warp Films Production. BBC Question Time is always a popular panel at Sheffield and this year members will be discussing the ten best recommendations for new U.K. government policy, submitted by members of the doc community.

There are also two new awards that will be given out at the event: The Sheffield Inspiration Award and the Sheffield Jury Award. The Sheffield Inspiration Award recognizes a person who has inspired the doc community, contributed to the impact of documentaries and has made a lasting contribution to the art of documentary. The Sheffield Jury Award celebrates the best doc program that demonstrates excellence in both craft and style. These awards join the existing portfolio, which includes the Youth Jury, Innovation, Green, Student and Audience awards.

"The strands, the new awards, the free screenings and the installations that we offer this year highlight how easy it is for the public to access the program and find their way through it towards films and events that they like," Currimbhoy points out. "We’re offering free tickets to students and senior citizens so there is no excuse not to come! Monthly screenings in Sheffield mean that in 2009, like never before, Sheffield Doc/Fest is getting into Sheffield communities, from refugees to students, to those who are just interested in U.K. and international documentary. For filmmakers, it’s a real thrill to come to the U.K. and have their films seen by a totally different audience. They bring their own perspectives, experiences and stories to the interpretation of the film and remind themselves that docs can have an audience and impact on TV as well as in cinema."