Eye For Film: Sheffield DocFest announces programme

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 Alternative Realities exhibitions and public talks for this year’s festival, which is themed Reflections on Reality.

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

Events at the festival will include playwright, screenwriter, novelist and director Hanif Kureishi joining a live 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 arts. and the public sphere.

The signature talk will be presented by Jiabao Li. Expanding on her project Nocturnal Fugue (with Matt McCorkle), which is featured in the Alternate Realities exhibition, the artist and technologist will offer insights from her cross-species collaborations in a practice that encompasses wearables, AR/VR, video installations, performance lectures and scientific experiments.

Annabel Grundy, CEO of Sheffield DocFest, said: “In planning this year’s edition of DocFest, we have been thinking about where we can make a difference, how our programming can counter false narratives and oversimplification, and how we we can support the ecosystem to a maximum level. a time when independent journalism, co-authored narratives and deeply reflective work are essential to helping us make sense of the world. I am deeply proud of the team that created a thoughtful, compassionate and balanced program, always with the filmmakers in mind.”

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