Sheffield DocFest has revealed its industry program for 2026, completing the line-up for its 33rd edition, taking place from 10-15 June, with the promise to “bring together pressing global issues and conversations with the practical realities of working in documentary today”.
Events will cover topics ranging from conflict reporting, citizen journalism, inclusivity, accessibility and environmental sustainability to the evolving role of artificial intelligence and political repression.
Among a wide range of speakers, Nevin Mabro, the new head of documentary at BBC Storyville, and Fiona Campbell, director of BBC Fact, will discuss their commissioning strategy, while Oscar-nominated director Maite Alberdi (Mole agent, Eternal memory(And Sarah Dosa)Time and water) will give advanced lessons. “A look behind the scenes Power: The Fall of Hugh Edwards‘, a docudrama is also scheduled to be produced for UK Radio 5.
This year’s industry lineup for documentary filmmakers consists of 41 sessions, including those focusing on the craft of live performances, as well as the return of the popular market and talent meetings.
“We are creating a unique space where on-screen artworks directly highlight today’s vital industry dialogues,” said Raul Nino Zambrano, Creative Director of Sheffield DocFest. “From in-depth sessions on activism and emerging technologies to our dedicated production centre, we ensure our industry representatives are not just observers, but active participants in the changing landscape of global documentary.
Storytelling.”
Mimi Bousquet, Festival Managing Director, added: “Sheffield DocFest has always been a hub of dazzling creativity, but we are also very proud of the role the festival plays in facilitating industry work, whether that’s through procuring funding, making deals or finding the right co-production partners. From our Meetmarket and the lively discussions generated by our specialist industry and highly targeted craft sessions, to welcoming key delegations from around the world, as well as new initiatives. By bringing the wider virtual community together, such as the Inaugural production, we continue to build on this role.
Take a look at selected sessions of the Sheffield DocFest 2026 industry program below.
Human Rights Film Festivals: From Grassroots to Global (and Back Again)
“Human rights film festivals are facing increasing political pressure and diminishing support this cycle
Explores how grassroots and established models can learn from each other.
Speakers: Brinda Dhankar (Co-Founder, Freedom Film Network – Malaysia) Anna Har (Co-Founder,
Freedom Film Network – Malaysia) Julie Niederkorn (Films That Matter – The Hague, Netherlands)
The fourth speaker will be announced
Moderator: Heather Haynes (Documentary Consultant and Program Consultant at Sheffield DocFest)
Silencing: How power adapts to oppress women
“As women speak out, power declines.” Three urgent documentaries that explore the legal, cultural and humanitarian aspects
The systemic forces that work to silence women around the world.
Speakers: Jane Robinson (human rights lawyer, The Subject of Silence) Barbara Mestanza (director of Filthy)
Gabriela Diaz Arp (Director, Matrenino) Sophie Argent (lawyer and co-founder of Creative Advisor)
Goalhanger Greenroom Session: How Ideas Become Audio Files
“A behind-the-scenes look at how podcast ideas are developed and commissioned – from the team behind Goalhanger Shows.”
Speakers: Nicole Logan (Executive Producer, Goalhanger) India Dunkley (Producer, Goalhanger)
Beyond the Algorithm: The Rise of the YouTube Documentary
“As audiences shift away from older media, YouTube has become a powerful and highly contested space for documentary storytelling. But what happens to truth when we rely on platforms designed for sharing?”
Speakers: Ben Zand (investigative filmmaker, journalist and founder of Zandland) Andrei Kotlyar (Producer, Time Machine Maidan – Babylon’13) Additional speakers to be announced.
Moderator: Marianna Spring (BBC correspondent on disinformation and social media)
From headline to screen: When true stories become drama
“A behind-the-scenes look at power: The fall of Hugh Edwards, and the moral, creative, and legal tightrope that shapes sensitive, high-stakes storytelling.”
Speakers: Guy Davies (Commission Editor, Nonfiction, 5) Paul Testar (Commission Editor, Drama, 5) Mark Burt (Writer), Louise Kentleton (Factual Producer).
