Sheffield DocFest announces programme

Line-up includes Tilda Swinton's directorial debut, Jiabao Li signature talk

by Amber Wilkinson

The Hexagonal Hive And A Mouse In A Maze
The Hexagonal Hive And A Mouse In A Maze Photo: Courtesy of Sheffield DocFest

Sheffield DocFest has announced its full film programme, along with its Alternate Realities exhibitions, and public talks for this year's festival, which has the theme Reflections on Reality.

Among the notable entries in this year's line-up is The Hexagonal Hive And A Mouse In A Maze, which marks the directorial debut of Tilda Swinton, directing alongside Bartek Dziadosz. It is one of 48 world premieres, which also include the latest film from For Sama director Waad Al-Kateab, Death without Mercy.

Events at the festival will include playwright, screenwriter, novelist and director Hanif Kureishi will joining a live and remote conversation with director Nigel Williams following the world premiere of In My Own Words: Hanif Kureish, a portrait of him and his career in both the arts and public sphere.

The Signature Talk will be presented by Jiabao Li. Expanding on her project Nocturnal Fugue (with Matt McCorkle), which is showcased in the Alternate Realities exhibition, the artist and technologist will offer insights from her interspecies collaborations in a practice that spans wearables, AR/VR, video installation, performance lectures, and scientific experiments.

Annabel Grundy, Sheffield DocFest managing director, said: “In planning this year's edition of DocFest, we have reflected about where we can make a difference, how our programming can counteract false narratives and over simplification, and how we can support our ecosystem at a time when independent journalism, co-authored narratives and deeply reflective works are critical in helping us make sense of the world. I am deeply proud of the team who have created a careful, compassionate and balanced programme always with the filmmakers in mind.”

The festival runs from 12 to 17 June and, as previously announced, will open with Kevin Macdonald’s Klitschko: More than a Fight.

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