Sheffield DocFest Film Programme Entry Guidelines 2026 WELCOME Sheffield DocFest is the UK’s leading documentary festival and one of the world’s most influential markets for documentary projects. We champion and present the breadth of documentary form – film, television, immersive and art – in the vibrant city of Sheffield each June. We offer makers and audiences a place for inspiration, debate, development, learning and challenge. Our programming represents our core values – creativity, empathy, freedom, inclusivity and internationalism. In 2025 Sheffield DocFest attracted 42,427 in-person admissions across the festival with a further 3,168 online views of films in the programme. We welcomed 2,407 industry delegates from 80 countries across the world. Sheffield DocFest’s 33 rd edition is set to take place in-person, bringing documentary makers, professionals and audiences to Sheffield between 10 - 15 June 2026. SCREENING PROGRAMME Sheffield DocFest screens 100+ feature, mid-length and short films. Our 2025 programme included works from 68 countries, with 40 languages represented. Below are the guidelines and terms for entry. We anticipate accepting over 2,700 entries this year so please read through this document carefully to ensure that your entry is eligible. 1. Eligibility Criteria 2. How to Enter 3. Payment and Entry Fees 4. Selection Process 5. Awards 6. Film Screening Schedule 7. Industry DocPlayer 8. Screening Format
of your film to be considered, it must be re-entered. If the password or link changes, please notify
[email protected] with the new password. If you are unable to provide an online screener for any reason, please contact the Film Programme team so we can offer an alternate method of submission. 3. PAYMENT AND ENTRY FEES: Early Deadline: 21 November 2025, 12:00 Noon GMT Mid-Length and Feature Films (over 40 minutes) - £40 + VAT Short Films (up to 40 minutes including credits) - £30 + VAT Standard Deadline: 30 January 2026, 12:00 Noon GMT Mid-Length and Feature Films (over 40 minutes) - £45 + VAT Short Films (up to 40 minutes including credits) - £35 + VAT Late Deadline: 20 February 2026, 12:00 Noon GMT Mid-Length and Feature Films (over 40 minutes) - £55 + VAT Short Films (up to 40 minutes including credits) - £45 + VAT The entry fee is non-refundable. By entering your project to a UK-based festival, you agree to the following: ● UK VAT is due on all entries made by individuals or businesses based in the UK, and on all international entries made by individuals. ● If you are a business based outside the UK, you do not need to pay UK VAT; however, you may be required to account for local VAT in your country. Entry fees are paid online by credit or debit card only. We reserve the right to change the entry rates. Discounted Entries: ● Student productions, film and media schools and tertiary institutions are eligible for a discount. We ask that a representative of the educational institution please contact
[email protected] to request a discount code. Only graduate films are accepted from a film school/university. DocFest cannot accept documentary exercises.
English