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Sheffield DocFest · 2023

Sheffield DocFest 2023

Journeys

Programme

9 films · 5 reviews

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Against The Tide

Review preview for Against The Tide

Although this is a melancholic film there is hopefulness in friendship and tradition.

Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
The threats facing India's Koli fishing community are explored through the story of two friends with very different approaches to their tradition.

(Country: India; Year: 2023; Director: Sarvnik Kaur)

Full review See: Interview with Sarvnik Kaur about Against The Tide, part two , Sarvnik Kaur on achieving trust and honesty in her fly-on-the wall documentary Against The Tide

UK premiere

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.

(Country: Colombia, Romania, France, Germany; Year: 2022; Director: Theo Montoya; Writer: Theo Montoya; Stars: Camilo Najar, Sergio Pérez, Juan Pérez, Alejandro Hincapié, Julian David Moncada, Camilo Machado, Víctor Gaviria, Alejandro Mendigana)

Full review

UK premiere

The Deepest Breath

Review preview for The Deepest Breath

McGann poises her film between Stephen and Alessia’s story, rounding out the background with those who know them both and, in a nice bit of balance, both of their fathers.

Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
A champion freediver and expert safety diver seemed destined for one another despite the different paths they took to meet at the pinnacle of the freediving world. A look at the thrilling rewards — and inescapable risks — of chasing dreams through the depths of the ocean.

(Country: UK; Year: 2023; Director: Laura McGann; Writer: Laura McGann)

Full review

UK premiere

The Hearing (Anhörung)

Consideration of applications for asylum and the Swiss approach to them.

(Country: Switzerland; Year: 2023; Director: Lisa Gerig)

UK premiere

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.

(Country: UK; Year: 2023; Director: Ella Glendining)

Full review See: Ella Glendining on Is There Anybody Out There?

UK premiere

Long Distance Swimmer

The Syrian swimmer who pulled the boat that carried her and another 18 refugees to Greece now copes with the consequences of becoming a famous activist.

(Country: UK, Germany; Year: 2023; Director: Charly Wai Feldman)

World premiere

My Friend Lanre

A portrait of photographer Lanre Fehintola.

(Country: UK; Year: 2023; Director: Leo Regan)

UK premiere

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.

(Country: Japan; Year: 2022; Director: Taku Aoyagi)

Full review

UK premiere

Transition

Follows Australian filmmaker Jordan Bryon as he undergoes transition while embedded with Taliban forces.

(Country: US; Year: 2023; Director: Jordan Bryon, Monica Villamizar)

International premiere