2023 30 years of Sheffield Doc Fest

One the world's largest documentary film festivals and markets. Established in Sheffield in 1994, 2023 saw the 30th edition take place across various venues in Sheffield city centre.

The UK’s leading documentary festival and one of the world’s most influential markets for documentary projects. It champions and presents the breadth of documentary form – film, television, immersive and art – in the vibrant city of Sheffield each June. Offering makers and audiences a place for inspiration, debate, development, learning and challenge. The programming represents the festivals core values – creativity, empathy, freedom, inclusivity, and internationalism.

Funded by a mix of self-generated revenue, sponsorship including major broadcasters BBC, Channel 4, ITV, and funding from BFI, Sheffield City Council and Arts Council.  Doc Fest is also supported by DBT and BFI International dept. 

Home to three international competitions decided by Jury, the home of the Tim Hetherington Award for investigative journalism and the Whickers pitch for documentary (valued £100k).

MeetMarket received record submissions in 2023 and generates on average £2m deals for selected filmmakers annually.  A conservative estimate of our impact on the city in tourism terms is c£1.4m into the city on hotels and entertainment each edition. 

The Alternate Realities exhibition showcases innovative non-fiction and immersive documentary in all forms. Taking place at Site Gallery, the exhibition is free and open to all.