Now in its 22nd year, Sheffield Doc/Fest is recognised as a major international film festival and has become a must-attend event for both documentary fanatics and film-making industry professionals alike. On Friday 5th June, a record number of delegates flocked to the humble city of Sheffield to experience 6 days jam-packed with screenings, Q&A’s, pitches and parties.
If you missed out, we’ve put together a wrap-up of all the not-to-miss features and our favourite picks from the week
Our Employee Top Pick – The Russian Woodpecker
Filmed over the course of 5 years, acclaimed Director Sean McAllister follows the lives of a family who are torn apart by the Assad dictatorship, who are forced to flee their country to seek political freedom in the West. This incredible story was awarded one of the most esteemed prizes at Sheffield Doc/Fest, the Grand Jury Award. The panel said they were “enamored by this Bergmanesque portrait of a relationship and love, taking place against an ever-changing and tumultuous backdrop.”
The Closing Night – Monty Python ‘The Meaning of Live’
Closing Sheffield Doc/Fest was a screening of Monty Python: The Meaning of Live with a Q&A featuring Michael Palin and our very own James Rogan. The documentary follows the famed comedy troupe as they embark on their much-anticipated reunion in July 2014. Directors Roger Graef & James Rogan use the Python reunion tour as a platform to study the history and cultural significance of the group. The documentary looks back at the Monty Python glory days, giving an honest insight into the monetary motivation behind the reunion and showing the remarkable chemistry between the members that gave them the title of the most-famed comedy troupe of all time. Python fanatics, don’t miss this one!
A Round-up of all the Award Winners from Sheffield Doc/Fest
Environmental Award
How to Change the World (director Jerry Rothwell)
Youth Jury Award
3½ Minutes, 10 Bullets (director Marc Silver)
Student Doc Award sponsored by London Film Academy
Archipelago (director Benjamin Huguet)
Short Doc Award
Starting Point (director Michal Szczesniak)
Interactive Award
Sheffield Doc/Fest’s Interactive Award was given to Clouds Over Sidra (directors Gabo Arora, Chris Milk, United States, 2015, 8mins)
In The Dark Audio Award 2015
The In The Dark Audio Award went to The Woman on Ice, a Danish production by Rikke Houd, Third Ear.
