Doc/Fest awarded £175,000 by UK Film Council

Sheffield Doc/Fest has today been awarded £175,000 by the UK Film Council (UKFC) to
help consolidate its position as a festival of national significance.

Already established as one of the best documentary festivals in the world, the
funding from the UK Film Council will help Doc/Fest to widen its reach to a diverse
public audience, particularly young people. The money, which will span over three
years, will be used to make films available on the internet, present major
masterclasses via the Digital Screen Network and help develop the organisation's
infrastructure.

Doc/Fest was one of only seven festivals that received funding from the UKFC Film
Festivals Fund, which seeks to give an increased number of people the opportunity to
enjoy more films, learn about film and meet filmmakers, as well as raise the profile
of British film at home and abroad.

Steve Hewlett, Chair of the Sheffield Doc/Fest Executive Board says: "This is great
news and welcome recognition of Sheffield Doc/Fest's status as a major UK festival.
We are indebted to the UK Film Council. It has shown considerable confidence in
Sheffield and I am certain that Festival Director Heather Croall and the Doc/Fest
team will repay that confidence with interest".

John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council says: "People love
film and festivals give people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to
immerse themselves in a huge array of exciting and powerful films. This funding
will provide a huge step up for festivals that have major plans to reach out to
thousands more people and raise their profile significantly."

Sally Joynson, Chief Executive of Screen Yorkshire, said: "This is absolutely
wonderful news for Doc/Fest, Sheffield and Yorkshire. Doc/Fest is now one of the top
three documentary festivals in the world and in recognition of that thoroughly
deserves this funding from the UK Film Council. Screen Yorkshire will continue to
support and work with Doc/Fest to ensure further success. I'd like to congratulate
Heather and her team."