Following this year’s successful return to a predominantly in-person event, we’re thrilled to present our 2022 Festival Report, which reflects on the achievements of the 29th edition of Sheffield DocFest.
After two years of significant pandemic impact, we were delighted to ‘reconnect’ with the documentary community and audiences alike in Sheffield. The Festival attracted 25,424 in-person attendances, as well as a further 4,899 admissions online. We welcomed public audiences from Sheffield (61%), Yorkshire (12%) and across the UK (27%) as well as 2,188 industry delegates from 69 countries.
“Great to reconnect with my tribe. I thought this festival was really special as it was kind, inclusive, and expressed the power of the cinema and the collective experience of doing stuff together.” - Kim Hopkins (Director: A Bunch of Amateurs, Winner of 2022 Audience Award)
We screened 135 films from 55 countries; 29 projects were exhibited in our Alternate Realities programme; 39 projects were presented in the MeetMarket pitching forum; we hosted three live pitches; and 9 new projects were presented in works-in-progress screenings; we presented headline talks from Guest Curator Asif Kapadia with Chris King, Brett Morgen, Pratibha Parmar and David Olusoga; broadcaster talks included interviews with Clive Myrie, Will Young, and Ellie Simmonds; we returned the Craft Summit and the Alternate Realities Summit as well as presenting multiple additional talks and sessions; and we delivered a range of new talent initiatives including Amplify: Broadcast Talent, Focus: Filmmaker Talent, and the Youth Jury.
"A festival that acts as a launchpad for the buzziest documentaries of the year.” - i-D Magazine
As we begin preparations for our 30th edition, taking place 14-19 June 2023, take a look back at some of the highlights of Sheffield DocFest 2022 and get ready to celebrate another year with us!
