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Festival coverage

Sheffield DocFest

14 May – 19 May 2023

The theme of this year's DocFest is sparking with curiosity, and it features 37 world premières, 20 international premières, 10 European premières, 47 UK premières and 8 retrospective films, from 52 countries of production. Alongside the films there will be live podcast events, premieres of TV series and virtual reality exhibitions.

The festival runs from 14 to 19 June.

Other years (14)

Box office and information

Latest reviews

  • Much Ado About Dying
    Review preview for Much Ado About Dying

    Although its central perspective is rather simplistic, there’s so much packed in around the edges that quite different narratives emerge there, making for a complex and satisfying whole.

    Jennie Kermode · 3.5 out of 5
    Looking after his gay actor uncle, filmmaker Simon is engulfed in a whirl of Shakespeare and clutter, as uncle David lends his credit card to neighbours, greets visitors in the nude and teaches Simon a profound lesson on dying happy
  • In The Rearview
    Review preview for In The Rearview

    Beyond the stories that unfold within the vehicle, the tension of these journeys, often on dirt tracks in rural areas, is brought home.

    Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
    This fly-on-the-wall film captures Ukrainians as they are forced to leave their homes and drive into the unknown.
  • Your Fat Friend
    Review preview for Your Fat Friend

    Viewers are likely to go away appreciating Aubrey’s frustrations and perhaps, if they share them, feeling validated, but without the tools to do anything about them.

    Jennie Kermode · 2.5 out of 5
    Popular anonymous blogger Aubrey Gordon spent five years writing about the realities of living as a self-described “very fat person.” Now, she is about to face the public for the very first time.
  • 20 Days In Mariupol
    Review preview for 20 Days In Mariupol

    Oscar shortlisted for Best International Feature and Best Documentary, this is an intense film with little respite even when no bullets are being fired.

    Amber Wilkinson · 4.5 out of 5
    As the Russian invasion begins, a team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting the war’s atrocities.
  • Is There Anybody Out There?
    Review preview for Is There Anybody Out There?

    There’s lot of video footage of her playing as a child, obviously very happy and doing the same kinds of things as any other kid her age.

    Jennie Kermode · 3.5 out of 5
    While navigating daily discrimination, a filmmaker who inhabits and loves her unusual body searches the world for another person like her, and explores what it takes to love oneself fiercely despite the pervasiveness of ableism.
  • Anhell69
    Review preview for Anhell69

    The film immerses us in the life of the city.

    Jennie Kermode · 4 out of 5
    A funeral car cruises the streets of Medellin, while a young director tells the story of his past in this violent and conservative city.
  • While We Watched
    Review preview for While We Watched

    In addition to attacks from the outside, Shukla shows the erosion from within.

    Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
    A turbulent newsroom drama which intimately chronicles the working days of broadcast journalist Ravish Kumar as he navigates a spiralling world of truth and disinformation.
  • Wham!
    Review preview for Wham!

    We’re so used to the flotsam and jetsum of angst, bad blood and rancour in the ocean of pop history, that the positive energy of the Wham! documentary feels as welcome as a summer breeze.

    Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
    A consideration of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s friendship and career.
  • Tokyo Uber Blues
    Review preview for Tokyo Uber Blues

    As its wryer, original title Tokyo Bicycle Festival suggests, Aoyagi’s film is never heavy-handed.

    Sunil Chauhan · 4 out of 5
    Documentarian records his work as an Uber delivery guy in the pandemic.
  • White Nanny Black Child
    Review preview for White Nanny Black Child

    White Nanny Black Child strikes a reparative chord, but might leave the inquisitive viewer wondering about those at the periphery of the film

    Sunil Chauhan · 3 out of 5
    A group of adults find solace in sharing their experiences of growing up as the children of Black Nigerian immigrants who were fostered by white British families.

A–Z of Sheffield DocFest 2023 reviews

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