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| 2000 Meters To Andriivka Photo: Courtesy of Sundance Institute |
Sheffield DocFest has announced the line-up for its 32nd edition, which will include 51 world premieres and a slate drawn from 68 different countries.
Among the films to look out for are several Ukrainian documentaries across the programme. These include Yegor Troyanovsky’s Cuba & Alaska and Mila Teshaieva and Marcus Lenz’s Shards Of Light, the first about field medics and the second about the previously occupied city of Bucha. Both will compete in the International Competition.
There is also a strong Ukrainian presence in the Tim Hetherington Award section – which honours humanitarian storytelling. It includes 2000 Meters To Andriivka, Mstyslav Chernov's follow-up to his Oscar-winning 20 Days In Mariupol and Artem Rhyzkhyov's A Simple Soldier, co-directed with Juan Camilo Cruz, which charts Rhyzkhyov's own transformation from filmmaker to soldier.
The world premiere of Kim Hopkins’ Still Pushing Pineapples will open the festival, exploring the story of Dene Michael, the former singer of pop band Black Lace who sang the novelty favourite Agadoo. The film follows the lead singer’s journey on the road with his ageing mother and his partner, as he aims for a comeback.
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| Still Pushing Pineapples Photo: Courtesy of Sheffield DocFest |
"In planning this year’s edition, we reflected deeply on where we can make a real difference – how, in an environment where filmmakers are facing ever greater challenges, our festival can be a place where documentaries thrive."
The festival's creative director Raul Niño Zambrano added: “This year, we’ve brought together some of the most powerful shorts, documentary features, series, podcasts, talks, and immersive works from across the globe to transform the city of Sheffield into a truly unique space where perspectives meet, just as our tagline proudly proclaims.
"Our 2025 programme delves into urgent, creative, and cutting-edge stories — from activism and climate justice, to queer perspectives and powerful journeys through archival treasures.There’s something for everyone. Join us in Sheffield and let the programme spark conversation, ignite inspiration, and open up new ways of seeing the world.”
The festival runs from June 18 to 23.
