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Sheffield DocFest · 2008

Sheffield DocFest 2008

Sports Docs

The biggest and most contravesial docs of the year have been unabashed sports docs uniting sports fans and lamens alike. The drama can’t be beaten and the characters are always bigger than life.

Programme

10 films · 3 reviews

Jump to a film

Jesus Loves You

Christian Fundamentalists journey to the 2006 World Cup to preach to the unconverted.

(Country: Germany; Year: 2008; Director: Robert Cibis, Lilian Franck, Michaela Kirst, Matthias Luthardt) , Official site

The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy

Biography of 1972 Munich Olympic champion.

(Country: UK; Year: 2008; Director: Daniel Gordon)

Junior

Sports documentary about ice-hockey players and those who scheme on their excellence.

(Country: Canada; Year: 2007; Director: Isabelle Lavigne, Stephane Thibault) , Official site

The King Of South Shields

Muhammad Ali's cultural identity leads to an exploration of Arab and Muslim culture.

(Country: UK; Year: 2008; Director: Tina Gharavi) , Official site

Ma Bar

Review preview for Ma Bar

An excellent documentary, putting you so close to the action you can almost feel the sweat and taste the chalk dust.

Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
What drives a 73-year-old powerlifting champion?

(Country: UK; Year: 2008; Director: Adrian McDowall, Finlay Pretsell; Stars: Bill McFadyen)

Full review

Solo

One man's attempt to make a solo kayak crossing from Tasmania to New Zealand.

(Country: Australia; Year: 2008; Director: David Michod, Jen Peedom)

Sprinters

An exploration of top-level athletes.

(Country: UK; Year: 2008; Director: Sam Blair)

Standing Start

Review preview for Standing Start

Like a complex jigsaw, each piece slots into place perfectly, completing a richly detailed picture of one man and his determination.

Amber Wilkinson · 5 out of 5
Documenting world champion Craig MacLean's preparation for a cycle race.

(Country: UK; Year: 2007; Director: Finlay Pretsell, Adrian McDowall; Writer: Des Dillon; Stars: Craig MacLean)

Full review

Thriller In Manila

Joe Frazier tells his side of the story of his legendary fight against Muhammad Ali.

(Country: UK; Year: 2008; Director: John Dower)

Tyson

Review preview for Tyson

Like the heavyweight prize-fighter in his prime, this is documentary stripped back to its leanest form.

Amber Wilkinson · 3.5 out of 5
Intimate portrait of the heavyweight boxer.

(Country: US; Year: 2008; Director: James Toback; Writer: James Toback; Stars: Mike Tyson) , Official site

Full review See: Sundance Diary: Day Eight