51 World Premieres, 16 International Premieres, 8 European Premieres, and 39 UK Premieres from 68 countries of production…
Sheffield DocFest celebrates its 32nd edition 18-23 June 2025, and this week revealed its full Film Programme and public Talks.
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council:
“Sheffield DocFest is one of Sheffield’s flagship events and a key date in our cultural calendar. The event proudly puts the city on the world stage. We hope that audiences to the festival are inspired by what Sheffield has to offer through another exciting programme from DocFest – we are incredibly proud to support this globally renowned event in our city.”
As the UK’s leading documentary festival and one of the world’s most influential markets for documentary projects DocFest champions and presents the breadth of documentary form – film, television, immersive and art – made possible with the huge support of partners, funders and sponsors, including Principal Funders BFI Audience Projects Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, Sheffield City Council and Arts Council England.
As previously announced, the world premiere of Kim Hopkins’ Still Pushing Pineapples will open Sheffield DocFest 2025 offering audiences a melancholic yet heartfelt look into the story of Dene Michael, the former singer of Black Lace and pop band behind the novelty Brit party favourite ‘Agadoo’. The film follows the lead singer’s journey on the road with his aging mother and his partner, as he aims for a comeback.
Mimi Poskitt, Sheffield DocFest Managing Director:
“At Sheffield DocFest, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change and create an alternate future. And this is what DocFest 2025’s programme is all about: coming together to learn and be inspired to take action.
“In planning this year’s edition, we reflected deeply on where we can make a real difference — how, in an environment where filmmakers are facing ever greater challenges, our festival can be a place where documentaries thrive. Thank you to all our funders and partners, old and new for joining us in this endeavour. I’m very proud of the team for shaping this 32nd Edition as one that centres the voices of filmmakers and invites everyone to connect, participate, and feel part of something bigger.”
Sheffield DocFest 2025 film programme totals 116 films (82 features and 34 shorts), drawn from over 2753 entries, including 51 World Premieres, 16 International Premieres, 8 European Premieres, 39 UK Premieres from 68 countries of production.
Titles screen in three competition sections – International Competition, International First Feature Competition and International Short Film Competition. In addition to the previously announced Guests of Honour Programme, the festival once again presents its Podcast Stories strand and previews of television series episodes in its First Impressions strand. Further out of competition films screen in six strand sections: Rhythms, Debates, People & Community, Memories, Rebellions and Journeys.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the DocFest MeetMarket, with eight films in the programme having participated in prior MeetMarkets. Drawn from a record number of 610 submissions, the 49 projects in the 2025 selection include new works from renowned directors such as Mila Turajlic, Carola Fuentes, Kathryn Ferguson and Lindsey Dryden, alongside emerging and young talents. This year’s slate includes 17 promising works produced or co-produced in the UK.
Sarah-Jane Meredith, BFI Senior Manager for Audiences Projects:
“Sheffield DocFest is a hugely important UK festival of international standing which showcases and celebrates the best new documentary films from around the world. For the audiences and industry, it is a unique offer and we are proud to support the Festival to further extend its reach.”
Sheffield DocFest will present twelve public talks which will all be held across the city.
Guests of Honour this year are Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, the co-founders of the pioneering media company World of Wonder (WOW) and award-winning producers and directors of trailblazing films and TV series will attend the festival and present a selection of talks throughout.
Bailey and Barbato will participate in four special talks: A Night with Adam and Joe – Adam Buxton and Joe Cornish reunite with Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato to revisit their TV origin story; The Adam and Joe Show. Ronan Farrow: From Podcast to Screen will also see the pair host Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Ronan Farrow in a virtual talk for a rare and revealing conversation. From the World of Wonder Werq Room – Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato lift the lid on their development process—sharing pitches, sizzles, and the challenges of turning bold ideas into commissioned series as well as The WOW Factor: Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato in Conversation where the World of Wonder founders reflect on a trailblazing career in storytelling, queer culture, and the creation of global pop phenomena.
Broadcaster supported talks include the previously announced BBC Interview with legendary physicist Professor Brian Cox as he reflects on a remarkable career that has seen him bring the wonders of science to millions through television, books, podcasts and live shows. Channel 4 Masterclass will see Oobah Butler discuss his transition from YouTube sensation to acclaimed TV documentarian and what changed, what stayed the same – and whether other creators can follow suit. Award-winning documentary producers Norma Percy and Lucy Hetherington will also talk to journalist and presenter Nina Hossain, sharing insights into how they bring world-shaping political stories to life on screen.
Hosted by renowned filmmaker, campaigner and National Geographic Explorer, Alice Aedy, attendees will meet the visionary women driving real-world change — using storytelling as a tool for activism and community mobilisation. Elsewhere, National Geographic’s Tom McDonald and magician David Blaine will discuss their hit series David Blaine Do Not Attempt and how it reflects National Geographic’s factual strategy.
For full festival details and tickets visit here.
