Sheffield DocFest is the UK’s leading documentary festival and one of the world’s most influential markets for documentary projects. They champion and present the breadth of documentary form – film, television, immersive and art – in the vibrant city of Sheffield each June (www.sheffdocfest.com).
Paul of Sol Cinema was hoping to meet filmmakers and event organisers who may be interested in using the Sol Cinema in their events, whilst also attending workshops and films that will allow him to find ways to promote his mobile cinema. Here’s what Paul told us about his festival experience:
“Docfest brought together filmmakers from across the world which I enjoyed sharing experiences, and ways of working. I was inspired by hearing about different ways of doing things. I was exposed to new technology which I will hopefully involve in my own work. Podcasts workshops and premieres really interested myself and many other attendees so this could be a new avenue for my productions. The answer from all the funding panels stated that funding is virtually non existent for films, so there is a real need to think completely differently.”
I met potential new bookings for my mobile cinema, learned more about the state of the industry, got inspired, saw new ways of making documentaries.
“I have been sent new films from people I met [at the networking events after] showing my mobile cinema. I attended a VR workshop and will be exploring new options around that. I was impressed with the software Docfest used for including live audio translations at each panel discussion. I shall explore about including that in future events.”
Paul attended the Sheffield DocFest with the support of Film Hub Wales via our Bursary scheme. If you want to attend a meeting, course or event that would benefit your organisation and develop audiences but the costs are prohibitive, you can submit an application for support here.
