Image (Left – Right): Catherine Huckle, Conor Joseph Corey, Daisy Sanderson, Lucy Brown, Rennan Duan.
We are delighted to announce our 2025 Youth Jurors for this year's edition, taking place across Sheffield, 18-23 June 2025.
Now in its 19th year, the DocFest Youth Jury Programme 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.
This year, we have invited five young film enthusiasts to be on our 2025 Youth Jury.
Meet our Youth Jurors
Catherine Huckle (she/her)
Catherine Huckle is a second year film student from the University of York. From experimental shorts to epics spanning generations, she fell in love with all things documentary related during lockdown, fascinated by the ways they reflect and depict the lived experiences of so many.
What are you most looking forward to?
"I'm most excited to explore what's new for the medium, especially at the MeetMarket. Seeing these works as they develop, is an amazing look into the filmmaking process and an exciting sneak peek at what's on the horizon for documentaries."
Conor Joseph Corey (he/him)
Conor is a documentary filmmaker. He has worked on a range of projects, including producing and editing digital self-shooter films focused on underground music. He has also served as Director of Photography (D.O.P.) on both factual and narrative productions, bringing a keen eye for visual storytelling to each project.
What are you most looking forward to?
"I am really looking forward to meeting with interesting people at the festival, whether that be those working in documentary or the great people of Sheffield. Festivals are important spaces to share information, offer support and deepen knowledge. For a young person like myself, this is huge!"
Daisy Sanderson (she/her)
Daisy is a second-year Journalism student at the University of Sheffield. She is passionate about using film to challenge conventional narratives, particularly those related to gender, generational divides, and power structures. Having previously worked as a researcher for a human rights lawyer, she is especially interested in storytelling that highlights social justice issues and sparks meaningful conversations.
What are you most looking forward to?
"I am thrilled to be part of the Sheffield DocFest Youth Jury, gaining hands-on experience with a proudly regional organisation. I look forward to watching and discussing bold, thought-provoking documentaries, connecting with like-minded people, and deepening my understanding of the industry."
Lucy Brown (she/her)
A recent Social Anthropology and Spanish graduate from the University of St Andrews, Lucy is now seeking to combine her curiosity and creativity with her anthropological approach in the realm of documentary film. She is a lover of Agnès Varda, observing the beauty in the everyday, and all things green.
What are you most looking forward to?
"I feel very lucky to be a part of DocFest and am so excited to collaborate with the other lovely Youth Jurors to curate and judge a selection! At the festival, I’m looking forward to watching as many documentaries as possible, particularly those that playfully combine elements of fiction, and environmentally centred stories."
Rennan Duan (she/her)
Rennan doesn’t like defining herself, but if she must, she’d say she challenges stereotypes without rebelling for the sake of it. Drawn to both nature’s gifts and the treasured creations of human civilization, she captures life in motion—whether through documentary storytelling, extreme sports, or any other possibilities.
What are you most looking forward to?
"What I look forward to most is authenticity. While it’s not my measure of good or bad, it’s what moves me the most. I hope to be moved—to see creators’ sincerity towards themselves, their collaborators, their work, and their audience."
