The pitch “champions creatives to explore bold and innovative unscripted storytelling for digital audiences” (Credit: Courtesy of Sheffield DocFest)
Sheffield DocFest and Climate Spring, a global organisation working to “shift our cultural response to the climate crisis through film, TV and popular culture”, have announced the return of the Climate Spring Pitch Competition at Sheffield DocFest in 2026, with applications open until 1pm on Monday 11 May.
This year’s pitch competition introduces a new digital-first approach, responding to audiences’ “growing appetite for formats that meet them where they discover and engage with content in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape”, Sheffield DocFest said.
The pitch “champions creatives to explore bold and innovative unscripted storytelling for digital audiences, centring the power of community and offering solution-oriented visions of the future”.
Four shortlisted creatives will be invited to pitch their idea at Sheffield DocFest in June and one winner will receive £10,000 in production funding to create and distribute their project with narrative consultation from leading experts at Climate Spring.
The programme is aimed at UK-based storytellers experienced in producing mainstream or digital content, from producers, creators and directors to production companies, looking to roadtest ideas, raise their profile or supercharge the development of a project that tackles a climate narrative they feel passionately about.
Judges are looking for early development, high-impact, short-form documentary formats designed specifically for digital platforms – for example, a visual podcast, interview series, archive documentary, access, comedy show, roadtrip, talent-led format or influencer explainer.
Proposals must consider one of two theme strands: Rethinking the Future – stories that show how system change in areas including technology, food, transport, housing or energy can improve lives; or The Power of Community, looking at ideas that celebrate community and co-operation.
Mimi Poskitt, Sheffield DocFest’s managing director, said: “Building on the momentum of last year, our partnership with Climate Spring continues to empower filmmakers to tell bold, inventive and urgent stories.
“At Sheffield DocFest, we share a deep commitment to platforming work that speaks to the defining issues of our time, and to amplifying voices that challenge, provoke and inspire.
“We’re excited to see how this collaboration will shape the future of the industry and the stories still to come.
“We are looking for ideas that are fearless, innovative, that not only lift the lid on unseen worlds but can provide new perspectives and answers to audiences navigating the intersecting crises facing humanity.”
David Leach, head of unscripted at Climate Spring, added: “We’re excited to return to Sheffield DocFest with a digital-first competition, responding to audiences’ growing appetite for content that meets them where they discover and engage with content today.
“At Climate Spring, we’re working to shift our cultural response to the climate crisis through film, TV and popular culture.
“With this year’s pitch, we encourage creatives to explore innovative and timely unscripted ideas that entertain broad digital audiences, centre the power of community, and offer visions of a future where system change is possible.
“We’re excited to see how creatives will rise to the challenge.”
Applications are now open via Sheffield DocFest.