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Festival coverage

Sheffield DocFest

2009

Director Mat Whitecross, actress Romola Garai, producer Karen Katz at World Premiere of Mat Whitecross’ Moving to Mars: A Million Miles from Burma at Sheffield Doc/Fest
Director Mat Whitecross, actress Romola Garai, producer Karen Katz at World Premiere of Mat Whitecross’ Moving to Mars: A Million Miles from Burma at Sheffield Doc/Fest

Opening with Moving To Mars: A Million Miles From Burma, the 16th Sheffield DocFest had lots of treats to offer. Showcasing the best documentary making talent from around the world, it included screenings, panel discussions and filmmaking masterclasses, with lots of opportunities to meet the talent.

Running from November 4 to 8, the festival celebrated its fourth year of being carbon free and one of its most successful years as a film industry marketplace, with over £10M worth of deals being made and several films securing distribution.

Other years (14)

Box office and information

Latest reviews

  • American: The Bill Hicks Story
    Review preview for American: The Bill Hicks Story

    American: The Bill Hicks Story provides us with a wonderful glimpse behind the curtain of performance and lets us see the sensitive, warm, patriotic and fiercely intelligent man we all suspected lay beneath the act.

    Robert Munro · 5 out of 5
    Documentary examining the life and legacy of the controversial comic.
  • Petropolis, Aerial Perspectives On The Alberta Tar Sands
    Review preview for Petropolis, Aerial Perspectives On The Alberta Tar Sands

    In my job I see a lot of beautifully shot films, but the cinematography in this one is simply breathtaking.

    Jennie Kermode · 4 out of 5
    An exploration of the clash between oil-hungry industry and those determined to protect a fragile ecological resource.
  • Erasing David
    Review preview for Erasing David

    The subject matter is serious and the filmmakers have attempted to illustrated it with a man on the run, rather than investigate clinically.

    Angus Wolfe Murray · 3 out of 5
    A man is pursued by private investigators in an attempt to prove that privacy has been completely lost in modern surveillance society.
  • Bastardy
    Review preview for Bastardy

    Courtin-Wilson's approach is graceful, impressionistic and with the heart of a poet.

    Amber Wilkinson · 4.5 out of 5
    The actor who founded Australia's first Aboriginal theatre company talks about his life, his heroin habit, and his criminal tendencies.
  • Sons Of Cuba
    Review preview for Sons Of Cuba

    Definitely one of the best pieces of ‘non-fiction cinema’ i’ve seen in a long while.

    Jeff Robson · 4 out of 5
    Children at Havana’s state-run boxing academy prepare for the national championships.
  • The Execution Of Gary Glitter?
    Review preview for The Execution Of Gary Glitter?

    By trying to make the views expressed by commentators and members of the public seem natural, spontaneous and heartfelt, the debate has been dumbed down to sub primary school level.

    Jennie Kermode · 1.5 out of 5
    A docudrama set in a parallel world explores issues surrounding the death penalty.
  • Winnebago Man
    Review preview for Winnebago Man

    The direction is pedestrian and, though Jack is an intriguing subject, this approach to him isn't particularly insightful.

    Jennie Kermode · 2.5 out of 5
    The truth about Jack Rebney, Winnebago salesman and inadvertent internet celebrity.
  • Once Upon A Time Proletarian
    Review preview for Once Upon A Time Proletarian

    The overall, very sad message of the film is that here is a nation of people freed from the gruelling work patterns of the past, but who now find themselves trapped in dull, monotonous and soul-destroying jobs.

    Val Kermode · 2.5 out of 5
    An exploration of the social and political landscape of modern China.
  • Ali Shan
    Review preview for Ali Shan

    Neither beautiful nor inspiring.

    Val Kermode · 1 out of 5
    The experience of awaiting sunrise on Taiwan's Ali Shan Mountain.
  • Capitalism: A Love Story
    Review preview for Capitalism: A Love Story

    In sheer entertainment terms this is Moore's best yet.

    Val Kermode · 4 out of 5
    A documentary about laissez faire capitalism and its effect on American society.

A–Z of Sheffield DocFest 2009 reviews