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Sheffield DocFest · 2023

Sheffield DocFest 2023

People & Community

Programme

9 films · 2 reviews

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1001 Days

Immersive account of the first 1001 days of a child’s life is seen from the perspective of three South African healthcare workers.

(Country: UK, South Africa; Year: 2023; Director: Kethiwe Ngcobo, Chloe White)

International premiere

The Castle (El Castillo)

The inheritance from her former boss is a poisoned chalice for Indigenous housekeeper Justina: a huge, derelict mansion in the back of beyond. Justina’s daughter Alexia would much prefer to return to Buenos Aires and work as a car mechanic. A dark fairy tale.

(Country: Argentina, France; Year: 2023; Director: Martín Benchimol; Stars: Justina Olivo, Alexia Caminos Olivo)

UK premiere

Choose Me

A marriage proposal ceremony becomes the centre of an intergenerational debate about tradition and the freedom to choose.

(Country: Chad; Year: 2023; Director: Allamine Kader Kora)

European premiere

Hummingbirds

Two filmmakers find healing in their everyday joyful antics on the streets of Laredo, Texas.

(Country: US; Year: 2023; Director: Silvia Del Carmen Castaños, Estefanía Contreras, Miguel Drake-McLaughlin; Stars: Silvia Del Carmen Castaños, Estefanía Contreras)

UK premiere

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

(Country: UK, Ireland; Year: 2022; Director: Simon Chambers)

Full review

UK premiere

Otto Baxter: Not A F***ing Horror Story

Documentary follows a 35-year-old man with Down Syndrome, over six years, as he writes and directs a foul-mouthed, autobiographical comedy-horror-musical.

(Country: UK; Year: 2023; Director: Peter Beard, Bruce Fletcher, Otto Baxter)

World premiere

Phantom Parrot

Documentary exploring a covert form of surveillance involving collaboration between the tech industry, police and security services.

(Country: UK, US; Year: 2023; Director: Kate Stonehill)

UK premiere

Red Herring

Diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour, the director enlists his family for an intimate and darkly humorous journey to help them come to terms with his illness.

(Country: UK; Year: 2023; Director: Kit Vincent)

UK premiere

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.

(Country: US, UK; Year: 2023; Director: Jeanie Finlay; Stars: Aubrey Gordon)

Full review

International premiere