Festival’s factual film highlights revealed

The 18th annual festival, based at the city’s Showroom cinema, is programmed by Hussain Currimbhoy and will open on Wednesday, June 8.

Among the highlights of the 110-film programme are tributes to some of Mr Currimbhoy’s greatest heroes, and celebrity guests Morgan Spurlock and Adam Curtis are among those to have already confirmed their attendance.

Veteran film-maker Albert Maysles will come to Sheffield for screenings of his films Salesman, Grey Gardens, Running Fence and Muhammad and Larry, and will also give a masterclass on Saturday, June 11.

Doc/Fest also pays tribute to Indian documentary film-maker Mani Kaul, with a rare screening of his biographical documentary Siddheswari Devi.

This year’s programme also has a new focus on protest films, with some responding to events in the Middle East.

A spokesman for Sheffield Doc/Fest said: “Many docs will be attended by some of the most talented and compelling documentary film-makers working in the business today.”

Fashion icon Ozwald Boateng will attend Doc/Fest with director Varon Bonicos to talk about their film A Man’s Story, while author Terry Pratchett will present Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die in which he looks at the realities of assisted death.

The spokesman added: “Sheffield Doc/Fest is the UK’s premiere documentary film event.

“It is the place to see world and UK premieres of the best creative documentaries from the cinema, television and online arenas, and to hear from and meet film-makers at question and answer sessions.

“All films are open to the public and a limited number of free standby tickets are available to students and senior citizens, excluding the opening night.”