Sheffield DocFest
Business Profile
Core Value Proposition
Sheffield DocFest provides a leading international documentary festival and marketplace that combines film/TV/immersive/art programming with an active industry marketplace to inspire, debate, develop, and connect storytellers with audiences and partners.
Target Customer
{"Documentary filmmakers and producers","Industry professionals and delegates (distributors, broadcasters, funders, sales agents)","Educators and students (education-focused programming)","Festival attendees and general audiences","Researchers and practitioners in immersive storytelling (VR/AR/MR) and non-fiction media"}
Key Differentiator
UK's leading documentary festival and one of the world’s most influential markets for documentary projects, offering a integrated ecosystem that blends film programming, industry pitching (MeetMarket), alternate realities/immersive experiences, TV/series premieres, live talks, podcasts, and community engagement in Sheffield, across year-round and festival periods.
Implementation Timeline
Annual festival window (Festival dates for 2026 are 10 – 15 June 2026). Industry passes and early-bird pricing are offered ahead of each edition. The festival also runs year-round screenings and education programs.
Pain Points
- 1Limited platforms for funding, development, and market connections for documentary projects
- 2Difficulty accessing a global audience and securing premieres, distribution, and partnerships
- 3Need for education, community engagement, and accessible programming for diverse audiences and first-time/independent filmmakers
Key Features
- 1Film Programme with World, International, European, and UK premieres
- 2Industry Programme including MeetMarket (pitching forum) and Alternate Realities Talent Market
- 3Amplify: Production Talent initiative for early-career professionals
- 4Alternate Realities: immersive/non-fiction exhibitions (VR/AR/MR, 360 video, and related formats)
- 5Community Programme and educational initiatives, including student programming
- 6Year-round screenings and online/in-person events; festival passes and industry passes; talks, podcasts, and exhibitions
Target Customer Industries
Decision Makers
- 1Treasurer of the Board
- 2Head of Finance
- 3Chair of Trustees
- 4Managing Director
- 5Creative Director
- 6Head of People & Access
Client Results
- 12025 festival highlights included 53 World Premieres, 17 International Premieres, 8 European Premieres, and 37 UK Premieres from 68 countries with 40 languages represented across 201 screenings
- 2World Premieres, International Premieres, and UK premieres featured in official programming
- 3Guests of Honour and special curation (e.g., World of Wonder founders) enhanced the festival program
- 4Awards and recognitions such as the Grenfell: Uncovered Audience Award at the 2025 festival
- 5Grand Jury winner Welded Together (International Competition) at the 2025 edition
Competitive Advantages
- 1Formal recognition as the UK’s leading documentary festival with international reach
- 2Integrated marketplace (MeetMarket) that connects projects with international industry representatives
- 3Diverse program including immersive/Alternate Realities, TV series, and live conversations
- 4Active community program and local engagement in Sheffield and South Yorkshire
- 5Multiple entry points for participants (filmmakers, educators, students, industry professionals) with year-round opportunities
Key Benefits
Case Studies & Success Stories
Grenfell: Uncovered
Winner of the Audience Award at the 2025 Sheffield DocFest
Welded Together
Grand Jury winner in the International Competition at Sheffield DocFest 2025
Still Pushing Pineapples
World Premiere opening feature highlighted at the 2025 festival
Additional Product Information
Product Description
An annual international documentary festival and marketplace in Sheffield, featuring film screenings, industry programming (including MeetMarket and Amplify), immersive and art forms, live talks, podcasts, and a strong community remit; offers year-round engagement and educational initiatives.
Target Market
Filmmakers, producers, industry professionals, educators, students, and festival audiences seeking premieres, funding, partnerships, learning, and immersive non-fiction experiences
Unique Value Proposition
Combines a premier festival with a robust market and immersive/non-fiction program, enabling premieres, funding/pitch opportunities, international collaboration, and community engagement within a single ecosystem.
Technical Requirements
Ticketing via Eventive platform; some content and experiences may be online or in-person; site notes about browser compatibility; VR/AR experiences require compatible hardware; online and in-person formats supported.
Pricing Model
Festival passes and industry passes with early-bird pricing: Super Early Bird pass (e.g., £250 + VAT) and Lightning rate (e.g., £200 + VAT) with discounts available; standard pricing referenced for 2026 edition; tickets managed via Eventive
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