Sheffield DocFest

Latest reviews

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  Come See Me In The Good Light

  Review preview for Come See Me In The Good Light

  Gibson’s modesty about language is among the film’s most moving qualities

  Two poets, one incurable cancer diagnosis. Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley go on an unexpectedly funny and poignant journey through love, life, and mortality.
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  The Perfect Neighbor

  Review preview for The Perfect Neighbor

  The film is a triumph of editing by Viridiana Lieberman, in terms of storytelling

  A seemingly minor neighbourhood dispute in Florida escalates into deadly violence. Police bodycam footage and investigative interviews expose the consequences of Florida’s 'stand your ground' laws.
• 
  Mr. Nobody Against Putin

  Review preview for Mr. Nobody Against Putin

  Despite the depressing nature of what’s happening at the school, Talankin’s affection for his students and his resilient sense of humour ensure that the film is always engaging.

  As Russia launches its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, primary schools across Russia’s hinterlands are transformed into recruitment stages for the war. Facing the ethical dilemma of working in a system defined by propaganda and violence, a brave teacher goes undercover to film what’s really happening in his own school.
• 
  Still Pushing Pineapples

  Review preview for Still Pushing Pineapples

  Full of engaging material yet sometimes stretched a little too thin, the film is less pop biopic, more a meditation on ageing, and over time it takes on an increasingly melancholic tone.

  The story of the former singer of pop band Black Lace and his journey on the road with his ageing mother and his partner, as he aims for a comeback.
• 
  Niñxs

  Review preview for Niñxs

  Mexican director Kani Lapuerta invites both viewers and star to change their frames of reference in a documentary as bold as it is charming.

  A documentary following a teenager's transition.
• 
  2000 Meters To Andriivka

  Review preview for 2000 Meters To Andriivka

  The smoke, the blasts, the spinning of ejecting shell casings, yells that become cries, the front-line as it becomes frantic.

  Amid the failing counteroffensive, a journalist follows a Ukrainian platoon on their mission to traverse one mile of heavily fortified forest and liberate a strategic village from Russian occupation. But the farther they advance through their destroyed homeland, the more they realise that this war may never end.
• 
  And She Didn't Die

  Review preview for And She Didn't Die

  As Kethiwe weaves together her mother’s story, she also considers her family’s part within it and the film is considerably richer for the documentarian’s decision to give her own doubts and thoughts some space.

  Lauretta Ncobo's daughter considers her author mother's exile from South Africa and subsequent life and work.
• 
  Rock Out

  Review preview for Rock Out

  Sometimes unashamedly gossipy, frequently poignant and generally philosophical and upbeat.

  Documentary exploring the historic LGBTQ+ influence on rock 'n' roll.
• 
  Shards Of Light

  Review preview for Shards Of Light

  The sense of hopefulness in people’s urge to continue and to rebuild shines through but this film also looks the lasting more negative impact of war unflinchingly in the eye.

  Documentary about the people living in war-ravaged Bucha.
• 
  Welded Together

  Review preview for Welded Together

  At times this is an achingly painful film, as Katya determinedly ploughs on hoping that love and stoicism can conquer all

  A young welder confronts her fractured past to protect her sister.

A–Z of Sheffield DocFest 2025 reviews →

Features

• From personal to universal
  Karla Murthy on The Gas Station Attendant and her relationship with her dad
• 'The real is already so real, you want to allow that to speak for itself'
  Sam Slater on striking a balance when scoring war documentary 2000 Meters To Andriivka
• 'I feel the importance of memorialising all the people who died for Ukraine'
  Cuba & Alaska director Yegor Troyanovsky on friendship and grief on the frontline in Ukraine

News

• Sheffield DocFest announces winners
  Welded Together, Comparsa and Sudan, Remember Us take prizes
• Sheffield DocFest announces programme
  Slate features 51 world premieres