Sheffield DocFest — A–Z of films

I'm not sure that I have ever seen a film as horrific as this.

Memory, reality, fact and fiction blend to give you a vivid 'feel' for the interviewees' recollections while being acutely aware that this remains a remembered reconstruction of the past.

Darren Bolger and Caroline Campbell's film is a portrait of an individual crime lost amidst other tragedies.

While this is a short film it carries within it the seeds of dread, hope, and waiting.

Entertaining, amusing, like a humorous conversation overheard on the train.

The documentary team here are to be congratulated on getting so close to their subjects, on inspiring so much trust, even if there are moments when they agree to turn the cameras off.

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.

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

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

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

Every bit as quirky, engaging and rebellious as the artwork it aims to celebrate. Sadly, it also shares graffiti's tendency to be energetic but scattergun and ephemeral.

Sington has found a range of economists and experts who explain in clear language the roots of the crisis.

The film contains some beautiful photography, and its subjects are presented with dignity and humour. It is a pity that it soon becomes rambling.

This is a powerfully atmospheric film that goes beyond the conventional techniques of documentary to communicate concepts we might otherwise struggle to grasp.

What is most surprising about this film is not the dilligence with which Sundberg and Stern set about following the course of Rivers through a year of her life - although that is certainly in evidence - but how incredibly welcoming she is.

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

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

At times this appears to be a documentary about looking things up on Google.

Another documentary gem from the incredibly strong factual line-up at Sundance 2010.

As a study of one character, this could have been very effective, but done three times it becomes rather tedious.

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

A low-key, but fascinating, documentary.

The film-makers have a good eye for detail.

Sampat is a subject so complex and compelling, so fearless and flawed, that in the end the documentary itself is drawn into her irresistible orbit no less than she dominates all the people and situations around her.

Sadly this documentary manages to miss the mark despite a lot of quality material.

This nuanced, insightful documentary is much more successful than most at communicating the complex impact of sexual abuse.

History replicated in the editing suite, composition compelling, illuminating.

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

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

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