Panel discussions on male victims of domestic abuse and women in the true crime genre are among the more tantalising sessions on offer at this year’s Sheffield Docfest, which has announced its full industry line up for 2024 today.
Navigating Shocking Violence in Docs: A Case Study of Channel 5’s My Wife, My Abuser, takes place on Thursday June 13, 12:00, at Sheffield Town Hall and will be moderated by Dr Sian Williams (Psychologist and Broadcaster). Panellists include Richard Spencer, (main contributor), Adrian Padmore (Channel 5 Commissioner), John Hay (Exec Producer, Atticus Film & TV), Clare Hoban (Media Content Lawyer, Reviewed and Cleared).
Women in the Frame: Representing Women in Crime Documentaries take place at 4pm the same day at Channing Hall and will be moderated by Fozia Khan, head of unscripted, UK Originals, at AmazonMGM Studios. Panellists include Kirsty Cunningham (Creative Director, Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice; The Met), Anna Hall (Series Director and Executive Producer, The Push; Libby Are You Home Yet?), Emily Turner (Director, Accused: The Hampstead Paedophile Hoax), Jack Rampling (Director, Liar: The Fake Grooming Scandal).
The festival’s Industry Programme and Market runs in conjunction with the Festival from June 12-17, and features 22 Industry Sessions for delegates, five Marketplace Sessions, three Live Pitch sessions, the Filmmaker Challenge, Alternate Realities Summit, five marketplace Rough Cuts and the Craft Summit, a day of five panels and masterclasses, as well as the previously announced flagship MeetMarket pitching forum.
The Industry programme dives into the business of documentary in all its many forms, complimenting the previously announced film programme, exploring the skills and techniques behind many of this year’s films, with a focus on producing, editing, cinematography, accessibility and ethics. The festival will be showcasing a range of funding opportunities, including collaborations with Channel 4, The Whickers, and the Podcast Pitch supported by The Whickers.
Alex Cooke, Sheffield DocFest Chair of Trustees said “This year’s festival celebrates world class documentaries, the programme is packed with captivating and extraordinary films, an exciting line up of talks and debates, and some brilliant initiatives: the Filmmaker Challenge, pitching opportunities, and the marketplace to support new projects and new talent.
“We are acutely aware that times are tough, globally for so many, and also within our industry as we face numerous challenges. The risk is to retreat, to isolate ourselves. So, we encourage you to join us to reconnect and energise each other in person. Our hope, as ever, is that you leave DocFest feeling creatively challenged, inspired by what you see, and uplifted by your fellow travellers in this diverse community that is so very special.”
