Sheffield, England — The 32nd edition of the Sheffield DocFest has drawn to a close, culminating in a celebration of documentary filmmaking that showcased diverse storytelling from around the globe. The festival wrapped up on Sunday, with director Anastasiya Miroshnichenko’s film Welded Together receiving the prestigious Grand Jury Award for International Competition during a gala held at the Crucible Playhouse.
The film was praised by the jury for its portrayal of resilience, highlighting both the protagonist’s strength and the solidarity within a community grappling with the harsh realities of alcoholism in Belarusian society. The jury described Welded Together as a poignant and authentic exploration of a young woman’s struggle to keep her family united.
Kicking off on June 18, the festival featured 51 world premieres from 68 countries, solidifying its position as a significant platform for documentary filmmakers. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with a variety of films, reflecting the myriad voices and perspectives that documentary storytelling can provide. The festival’s partnership with Showroom Cinema will extend the experience year-round, offering the DocNights screening program for documentary enthusiasts.
The 2025 Sheffield DocFest recognized multiple exceptional works across various categories. Welded Together was not the only highlight, as the Grand Jury Award for the International First Feature Competition went to Comparsa, directed by Vickie Curtis and Doug Anderson. This award further emphasizes the festival’s commitment to celebrating emerging talent in the world of documentary filmmaking.
In the International Short Film Competition, In a Whisper by Catarina Gonçalves took home the Grand Jury Award, while special mentions were awarded to Oscurana, directed by Violeta Mora. These awards underscore the festival’s role in showcasing both feature-length and short format works.
Additionally, the Tim Hetherington Award was presented to Sudan, Remember Us by Hind Meddeb, highlighting the festival’s dedication to films that tackle pressing social issues. The International Virtual Reality Competition also captured attention, with innovative works pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling formats.
The Youth Jury Award was given to Runa Simi, directed by Augusto Zegarra, reflecting the festival’s focus on engaging younger audiences. This award, along with several special mentions, showcased the diverse range of voices represented in this year’s lineup.
Notably, Comparsa also secured the Shine Global Children’s Resilience Award for Documentary, reinforcing its impact within the festival. The Whickers Pitch, Film & TV Funding Awards recognized promising projects, with The Video Guy and Somewhere Over the Rainbow among the finalists.
In other award categories, the Podcast Pitch recognized Redemption Man and The Great Gay Penguin Cover Up, while the First Cut Pitch featured Clio Symington. The Climate Spring Pitch showcased a commitment to environmental storytelling, highlighting projects like Downstream.
As the festival concluded, organizers expressed their gratitude to participants and audiences for another successful event. The Sheffield DocFest continues to be a vital space for filmmakers, fostering innovative work that speaks to contemporary issues through the lens of documentary.
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