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Festival coverage

Sheffield DocFest

2010

The world's most important documentary festival, Sheffield Doc/Fest launched its 2010 edition on 3 November. It's a vital meeting point for documentary filmmakers and also gives the public a rare opportunity to see intriguing new films, including cutting edge work and striking shorts. This year's event features over 250 speakers so it's a great place to find out more about the art of filmmaking. You can also catch films by the likes of John Pilger, Kim Longinotto and Werner Herog.

“Documentaries have kept their incredible capacity to compel, thrill and entertain and the documentaries in this year’s extraordinary line-up are no exception, from Joan Rivers to Rolf Harris to a special focus on the Middle East. I’m sure Sheffield audiences will have as much fun watching as I have had programming,” said festival programmer Hussain Currimbhoy.

Other years (14)

Box office and information

Latest reviews

  • Cutting Loose
    Review preview for Cutting Loose

    Cutting Loose has a certain style and flair that brings out the artistry of hair dressing.

    Donald Munro · 4.5 out of 5
    Prisoners move toward rehabilitation and struggle with their hopes and dreams in the run up to the annual Scottish Prison Service hairdressing competition.
  • Just Do It
    Review preview for Just Do It

    The team's ability to keep filming in chaotic situation is impressive, especially when they are largely amateurs.

    Jennie Kermode · 3.5 out of 5
    A first-hand look at the politics of civil disobedience in the UK.
  • Donor Unknown
    Review preview for Donor Unknown

    Donor Unknown never quite pushes hard enough on the big ethical and philosophical questions involved in the notion of fatherhood by proxy.

    Robert Munro · 3 out of 5
    A young woman born via donor insemination advertises in search of her biological father, meets half-siblings and subsequently explores her feelings for the surprised stranger who reads about her quest.
  • Surpriseville
    Review preview for Surpriseville

    It leaves a few too many questions unanswered, a few too many unasked, but it's still excellent.

    Andrew Robertson · 4 out of 5
    An exploration of the fears and anxieties that haunt a gated community in Arizona.
  • Nostalgia For The Light
    Review preview for Nostalgia For The Light

    Patricio Guzmán has wisely chosen to step back and let the story unfold largely by itself.

    Jennie Kermode · 4.5 out of 5
    A documentary about astronomers in Chile's Atacama Desert who gather to consider the stars while beneath the ground lie the remnants of ancient civilisations.
  • Waste Land
    Review preview for Waste Land

    Walker's documentary is moving, life-affirming and challenges what you think you might know about these people who pick through the rubbish.

    Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
    Portrait of garbage pickers in Rio who participated in a project with artist Vik Muniz.
  • The "Socalled" Movie
    Review preview for The "Socalled" Movie

    Newcomers may find it hard to get into because we are only played short snatches of all this interesting music.

    Jennie Kermode · 2.5 out of 5
    The story of rapper Josh Dolgin, alias Socalled, and his fusion of hip hop with traditional Jewish music.
  • Benda Bilili!
    Review preview for Benda Bilili!

    Renaud Barret treads a careful path, resulting in a film that captures wider realities whilst providing an engaging, entertaining story of one band's search for fame.

    Jennie Kermode · 3 out of 5
    A group of homeless blues musicians disabled by childhood polio join forces with a street kid with a home made instrument and make plans to tour Europe.
  • Marathon Boy
    Review preview for Marathon Boy

    We have to ask ourselves whether we are watching a child being exploited or whether we are ourselves guilty of exploitation.

    Val Kermode · 4 out of 5
    A portrait of the competitive interests and corruption surrounding a child with an extraordinary gift for distance running.
  • Burma Soldier
    Review preview for Burma Soldier

    Their choice of this one man to symbolise the oppression of a whole nation makes this a strong and impressive film.

    Val Kermode · 4 out of 5
    The story of former Burmese soldier Myo Mint who, after becoming disabled in action, educated himself with banned books and became a campaigner against the civil war.

A–Z of Sheffield DocFest 2010 reviews