DOC/FEST 2009 IS THE BIGGEST AND BEST EVER!

Sheffield Doc/Fest 2009 welcomed record numbers of delegates and public audiences last week to cement its position as the premiere documentary event in the UK.

This year’s Festival saw a record 1,885 delegates attend from over 20 different countries. There were over 50 sessions and more than 120 films from 21 countries, with 19 World premieres, 8 EU premieres and 45 UK premieres. Ticket sales for the films were up by over 54% on last year.

The Festival’s successful MeetMarket had 250 buyers, producers and distributors attending 1000 meetings to discuss documentary business. The deals made during the week will generate millions of pounds for the industry (£8.5m in 2008), with many filmmakers receiving the funds needed to turn their ideas into reality.

Heather Croall, Doc/Fest Festival Director said, “This year’s film programme was the best selection of films we have ever had at Sheffield.”

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'JUNIOR' WINS SHEFFIELD DOC/FEST 2009 AUDIENCE AWARD

'Junior' was revealed as the 2009 Audience Award winner on Monday.

'Junior', directed by debut director Jenna Rosher, received the most audience votes at the Festival. Telling the story of Eddie Belasco, a 75 year old Italian American and his 98 year old mother, the film captures the bond between this odd couple and crafts a hilarious and touching portrait of growing old while staying young.

This is the second year of the Doc/Fest Audience Award. Doc/Fest Festival Director, Heather Croall said of this the award and this year's winner,

"The Doc/Fest audience has a history of being able to pick out the films that are likely to do well after the Festival and I’m sure 'Junior' will prove to be very successful."

Watch 'Junior' in the Doc/Fest online Videotheque - www.sheffielddocfest.joiningthedocs.tv/

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AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT DOC/FEST AWARD CEREMONY

The winners of the Doc/Fest Awards were announced at the Doc/Fest Award Ceremony during the Festival on Sunday 8 November.

The environmentally friendly Sheffield Green Award went to 'The Blood Of The Rose', produced and directed by Henry Singer. The film examines the mysterious murder in Kenya of the conservationist Jane Root, herself a one-time film-maker. The jury said that the film offered "a well-balanced perspective on a compelling crime story".

The Sheffield Innovation Award went to 'LoopLoop', produced and directed by Patrick Bergeron. The film captures glimpses on a Vietnamese train journey. 

A special mention was given to 'The Big Issue', directed by Olivia Colo and Samuel Bollendorff which addresses the issue of obesity in an imaginative way.

The Sheffield Youth Jury Award, awarded to the film that will most appeal to young audiences, and is judged by a group of 16-21s, was won by 'Sons Of Cuba' directed by Andrew Lang. The film tells of three child boxers in Havana who hope to become Olympic stars.

New to 2009, the Wallflower Press Student Doc Award, recognises the work of young filmmakers. The winner, 'Arsy-Versy', produced and directed by Miro Remo, tells of a  who flies away to a land where only butterflies live.

The Special Jury Award was given to 'Videocracy', produced and directed by Erik Gandini. The film gave a portrait of the perversion of culture in Berlusconi's Italy will hang in the memory of all who managed to enjoy the privilege of seeing it. The jurors included RJ Cutler, the director of 'The September Issue'. Cutler said of the decision: "We chose 'Videocracy' as our winner because it was entertaining, masterfully made and featured some awesome characters."

The new Sheffield Inspiration Award was awarded to the immensely talented and original documentary maker, Adam Curtis.

The winners were each awarded a trophy and a framed Wildago painting, by artist Wilda Goyetche, individual to each award. Congratulations to all of the award winners and nominees.

For more information about the Doc/Fest awards visit www.sheffdocfest.com/site_items/awards

Photo: Award winners with Hussain Currimbhoy, Heather Croall and Roger Graef

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DOCSWELOVE - 'WOODSTOCK: NOW AND THEN' - LONDON PREMIERE - 29 NOVEMBER

SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2009 - 2:30pm - Renoir, Curzon Cinema

DOCSWELOVE presents the London Premiere of 

'WOODSTOCK: NOW AND THEN'  + Introduction

Director: Barbara Kopple / USA 2009 /  86 mins / Certificate 18

Taking a look back at the spirit of Woodstock and its influence on today's generation of artists, musicians and politicians, the film features brand new interviews, never-seen footage, photographs, illustrations, and a special tribute performance. Directed by two-time Academy Award-winning director Barbara Kopple.

For tickets or more information Tel: 0871 703 3991or see the Doc/Fest website www.sheffdocfest.com

 

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STILL TIME TO BUY YOUR DOC/FEST 2009 MERCHANDISE!

Post Festival blues? Or starting to think about Christmas presents?

Doc/Fest t-shirts, cotton bags and now Doc/Fest shoulder bags (previously only available to Doc/Fest delegates) are on sale so get yours now!

Designed by the revoluntary Designers Republic exclusively for Doc/Fest 2009, these products are limited editions and are selling out fast.

To purchase your Doc/Fest merchandise, visit the Doc/Fest Shop online today! 

www.sheffdocfest.com/view/tshirt

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