Sheffield DocFest, the UK’s leading documentary festival, returns for its 32nd edition from June 18-23, 2025, transforming the city with daily film premieres, industry events, and a diverse program that attracts documentary enthusiasts and filmmakers from around the world.
Sheffield DocFest 2025 Festival Dates
The 32nd edition of Sheffield DocFest will run from Wednesday, June 18 to Monday, June 23, 2025. This six-day celebration of documentary filmmaking will feature a packed schedule of events across Sheffield, with the industry-focused MeetMarket taking place on Thursday, June 19 and Friday, June 20. The timing allows marketplace participants to experience the festival’s opening night before diving into business activities. Additional marketplace activities will continue through Saturday, June 21, giving industry professionals ample opportunity to network, pitch projects, and forge distribution partnerships. Lightning Industry Passes are currently available at £195 +VAT until October 16, 2024, with various concession passes also offered. Festival submissions for filmmakers will open later in autumn 2024.
MeetMarket Networking Opportunities
The MeetMarket, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, stands as one of the world’s largest documentary markets, connecting filmmakers with over 150 industry representatives through curated one-to-one meetings. This flagship pitching platform will take place on June 19-20, 2025, offering selected documentary projects at various stages—from development to rough cut—the opportunity to secure funding, distribution deals, and collaborative partnerships.
Each year, the MeetMarket selects approximately 40-55 international documentary projects, with previous editions featuring between 40-55 projects from around the globe. The event’s proven track record is evident in the 2025 festival lineup, which includes eight films that participated in previous MeetMarket editions, demonstrating its effectiveness as a launchpad for documentary projects. For filmmakers looking to participate, applications typically open several months before the festival, with successful projects gaining invaluable exposure to broadcasters, distributors, production companies, and funding bodies in this intimate and focused networking environment.
For Guests Staying at Best Western Sheffield City Hotel
If you’re attending Sheffield DocFest and staying at the Best Western Sheffield City Hotel, you’re ideally situated for easy access to festival venues, including the Showroom Cinema, Crucible Theatre, and Sheffield Hallam University.
Key Information for Guests:
- Walking Distance to Festival Hubs: Most DocFest venues are within a 5–15 minute walk
- Transport & Connectivity: The hotel is close to Sheffield Train Station and well-served by local buses and trams
- Early Check-In & Luggage Storage: Early arrivals? Ask the front desk about luggage storage so you can head straight to the festival
- Dining Options: Breakfast is available on-site, and you’re within minutes of popular restaurants and cafes
- Festival Materials: Maps, program highlights, and venue directions are available at reception
Whether you’re here to network at the MeetMarket or soak in world-class documentaries, the Best Western Sheffield City Hotel provides a comfortable and convenient base for your festival experience.
