Sheffield DocFest offers an “expansive” Industry Programme for documentary makers consisting of 41 different sessions (Credit: Courtesy of Sheffield DocFest)
Sheffield DocFest has revealed its full Industry Programme, completing the lineup for the 33rd edition of the UK’s leading documentary festival, which returns to venues and locations throughout Sheffield from 10-15 June.
DocFest offers an “expansive” Industry Programme for documentary makers consisting of 41 different sessions.
These include six Craft Focus sessions, four Live Pitches, the return of the Marketplace and Talent Meetings alongside the previously announced Filmmaker Challenge and MeetMarket.
Part of DocFest’s talent development offering, the Industry Programme offers support for documentary makers at every stage of their careers alongside bespoke development and funding opportunities for early career makers.
“This year’s programme explores in detail documentary-making in all its forms, and the many different factors impacting the sector today,” organisers said.
“It provides opportunities for both established and early career documentary makers to forge valuable connections with leading figures within the sector, secure future lives for their projects and further develop their craft.
“The programme complements the previously announced public programme by offering insight into the process and context behind numerous films selected for this year’s festival.”
Industry Programme highlights include:
- Nevine Mabro, the BBC’s new head of Storyville, and Fiona Campbell, director of factual, present the commissioning strategy and enduring importance of the BBC’s award-winning international documentary strand.
- An in-depth discussion on the rise of YouTube for documentary storytelling.
- Mandy Chang, CEO of the Documentary Film Council, and Mark Edwards on shaping the future of UK documentary.
- Masterclasses with Academy Award-nominated directors Maite Alberdi and Sara Dosa.
- Channel 4 in conversation with BAFTA nominee Joe Bullman (Dirty Business).
- Turning Anxiety Into Agency: Narratives For A Different AI Future – Artists, activists and technologists demonstrate how storytelling can help harness AI’s positive potential.
- Commissioning editors from 5 discuss a behind-the-scenes look at power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards.
Raul Nino Zambrano, creative director, Sheffield DocFest, added: “We are incredibly proud to announce this year’s industry activities, which are designed to align with the core themes of our 2026 programme.
“We are creating a unique space where the artistry on screen directly informs the vital industry dialogues of today.
“From deep-dive sessions on activism and emerging technologies to our dedicated Production Hub, we are ensuring that our industry delegates are not just observers, but active participants in the shifting landscape of global documentary storytelling.”
The full Industry Programme is available on the Sheffield DocFest website.