Sheffield Doc/fest Podcast

Comedian, rapper and all-round sensation Michael Dapaah (aka Big Shaq) joins Karen Gabay (BBC radio host and TV producer) to discuss how he gets his message to the masses: whether communicating with his 1.4million Instagram followers, the 325 million viewers of his viral music video Man’s Not Hot, or the hundreds of thousands of fans who tune into his YouTube mockumentary series #SWIL (Somewhere In London). Supported by Wellcome.

In 2018, the UK’s Ministry of Loneliness was installed to combat the issue of isolation. Generation Z has been singled out as ‘the loneliest generation’, with social media’s effects often receiving the blame. Chaired by mental health expert and academic Dr Chris Blackmore from the University of Sheffield, a panel of filmmakers from the 2019 programme, whose films explore the issue of loneliness in a hyper connected world, discuss this very modern phenomena and the complicated relationship between social media and feelings of loneliness. The session was produced by Lena Nistch. 

UK film policy is almost entirely geared towards fiction, while the unique challenges facing the documentary sector are overlooked. It’s high-time the UK had a bespoke policy framework to support its documentary makers. What kinds of interventions are needed? How should they be developed? This session invites panelists and audience members alike to collectively brainstorm demands to better meet the needs of theatrical docs. The session is part of ‘UK Feature Docs’, an AHRC-funded study of the UK’s feature-length film industry being undertaken at the University of West England, and led by Dr Steve Presence, who chairs the discussion. Findings of this study will be published on 11 June 2020. 

So you’ve got brilliant, hard-won access, now what? With fiercer competition for audiences, it’s what you do with that access that’s all important. We explore the ingredients needed for a hit series – from the inspiration behind the idea, to innovative approaches to storytelling. What are the secrets of turning access into a returnable brand, delivering compelling stories across platforms and pulling in the ever-elusive young audience? Chaired by Mobeen Azhar with Colin Barr (Expectation), David Hodgkinson (Blast Films), Clare Sillery (BBC), Sophie Leonard (Minnow) and Nick Hornby (Optomen). The session was produced by Catriona White (BBC) and Max Gogarty (BBC) and supported by the BBC

This session from Doc/Fest 2019 explores the resurgence of archive and testimony in history filmmaking, with a panel of producers and contributors from some of the BBC’s most successful projects. The panellists discuss the opportunities afforded by the interplay between archive and testimony; why this mode of storytelling is back in full force and the ethical lines in films of this kind. Chaired by Tom McDonald (BBC) with David Glover (72 Films), Liza Williams (Wall to Wall), Steve Condi (exec producer) and Mat Bickley (contrib.Stephen: The Murder that Changed a Nation). The session was produced by Nancy Bornat (Wall to Wall) and was supported by the BBC.

How do documentary filmmakers tackle the most taboo of subjects and tell stories that can’t be shared openly, while respecting the ethical, legal and personal sensitivities of the people involved? This session from Doc/Fest 2019 explores radical and hybrid formats in bringing such subjects to screen, and the innovative techniques used by directors working in film and TV. The session was chaired by Krishan Arora with Collete Camden (dir. Married to a Paedophile) and Carl Javér (dir. Reconstructing Utøya).

Highlighting their priorities, leading commissioners talk about forthcoming commissioning opportunities as they take part in Doc/Fest's version of Question Time. Commenting on recent successes, they discuss the changing landscape, the renewed focus on diversity and how producers can keep innovating for their channels. With a spotlight on relationships and with audience questions throughout, this is your chance to really get to know some of the UK’s most prolific commissioners. The session is chaired by David Glover (72 Films) and features Jo Clinton-Davis (ITV), Daniel Horan (Channel 4), Clare Sillery (BBC) and Guy Davies (C4). It was produced by the team at Hey Sonny Films.

Pursuing a career in Film or TV can be a daunting experience, and in the early stages of doing so it’s easy to feel that those around us find success with impossible ease. A panel of Film and TV professionals explore the highs and lows of their own journeys into the industry, offering insights from their experiences and discuss overcoming the obstacles and creating the opportunities that brought them to where they are today. Supported by BAFTA Chaired by Emma Morgan (Firecracker) with Ellie Flynn, Lizzie Kempton and Eliza Capai. The session was produced by Oriana Franceschi.

With everything solid melting into air, and the documentary landscape never more varied and complex, this panel asks leading commissioners, funders & distributors: how do independent filmmakers get creative feature length documentary work made and seen today? In a panel from Doc/Fest 2019 filmmaker Rajesh Thind (Pindu Productions) talks to some of the big players in the feature doc market about what they are looking for, why they love the films they fund, and the advice they can offer to both emerging & established talent taking on the challenges of making feature length work. The panel features Mandy Chang (BBC Storyville), Lisa Marie Russo (Doc Society) and Ana Vincente (Dogwoof).

We explore the craft of directing through films that focus on a central character. Taking us deep into their films and filmic method, 2 directors explore approaches to character, the relationship at work, and what happens if it goes wrong? Chaired by Krishan Arora (SBS) and featuring Jeanie Finlay (Seahorse: The Dad Who Gave Birth) and Tim Travers Hawkins (XY Chelsea). Supported by Documentary Campus as part of the 2019 Craft Summit at Sheffield Doc/Fest.

In 2018, socio-economic inequality in the television and film industry became National news, when the Panic! report revealed that the industry was becoming less welcoming to talent from working class backgrounds. Much lip-service was paid to improving access in the months that followed, but what has really changed in a year? Our panel of filmmakers and commissioners discuss their experiences of making it in the industry without connections, a trust fund or private school education. Chaired by journalist and broadcaster Danny Leigh with Fiona Campbell (Controller of BBC3), filmmakers Paul Sng, Billie Porter and Victoria Musguin-Rowe, and journalist Kieren Yates. The session was produced by Victoria Musguin-Rowe.

Since forming the seminal hip-hop group London Posse in 1987, Rodney P has been widely regarded as the Godfather of British hip-hop, and has collaborated with a diverse range of artists including Omar, Roni Size, Nitin Sawhney and Björk. More recently Rodney has authored a number of documentaries exploring both British and global music culture, including The Hip Hop World News, The Last Pirates – Britain’s Rebel DJs and Bass, Beats and Bars - The Story of Grime, offering an alternative historical perspective to recent music phenomena. Rodney, along with Creative Director Jaimie D'Cruz (Acme Films), talks to Lawrence Lartey (Creative Director of the CreativeLab at Ravensbourne University) about his musical and documentary career and future plans.

In twenty years of directing documentaries for Channel 4 and the BBC, Paddy Wivell has made a name for himself for the seemingly effortless and compassionate way he connects with his subjects, from African tribes to Orthodox Jews and psychiatric inpatients in Bafta award-winning Bedlam. Described by The Times as “a filmmaker of such exceptional talent, so gifted and unassuming, that you scarcely notice how accomplished he is”, Paddy creates a warmth and intimacy with all his contributors, a skill on display in his double BAFTA nominated three-parter for Channel 4, Prison. Paddy embeds himself on the wings and landings of HMP Durham to capture up close the lives of inmates doing battle with a skeleton staff struggling to cope a with constantly revolving population of over 1000 men. Paddy talks to Simon Dickson, Creative Director and Co-founder at Label 1, about the films that have shaped his career and his uniquely personal style. Supported by Channel 4

Chidera Eggerue preaches her messages of self-love and body positivity to thousands on her blog, The Slumflower, and with hugely successful campaigns like #saggyboobsmatter. Her 2018 debut book, What a Time to be Alone, quickly became a top 10 best-seller and her second book, Scribble Yourself Feminist – a collaboration with illustrator Manjit Thapp – is an interactive and empowering journal addressing #everydaysexism. We welcomed Chidera to Doc/Fest for the first time, to discuss her campaigning work and early plans for her new documentary for Channel 4, which questions our homogenised ideals of beauty. The session was chaired by the Guardian journalist Leah Green and featured both Chidera and documentary producer Lucy Pilkington (Milk & Honey). Supported by Channel 4 and produced by Sarah El'Taki

The Academy Award and multi BAFTA-winning filmmaker, Asif Kapadia, elevated the art of archive documentaries with Amy and Senna, films which were both critically acclaimed and box office hits. His latest film Diego Maradona, explores the life of one of the world’s most iconic sportsmen. In conversation with Mariayah Kaderbhai, Head of Programmes at BAFTA, Asif discusses the making of Diego Maradona, as well as his other films and inspirations, his artistic process and his personal connection to his work

Having cut his teeth on the investigative documentary strand World in Action, known for its forceful and unorthodox journalistic approach, Paul Greengrass has become one of the world’s most popular filmmakers. His films, which often explore real-world anxieties and confront both social and political issues, include 22 July, three of the Jason Bourne franchise, Captain Phillips, United 93 and Bloody Sunday. In conversation with journalist and broadcaster Danny Leigh at Doc/Fest 2019, Paul discusses his journey from TV documentaries in the UK to feature films in Hollywood, the evolution of his signature vérité-style, and his thoughts on the need to open up the film industry to less privileged and working class talent to ensure future creative diversity.

Filmmaker and ‘cosmic archaeologist' Jenn Nkiru is one of the UK’s most exciting directors, with a unique and distinctive visual style. Her films are powerful explorations of black identity including commissions for Nowness, Frieze, Gucci and Channel 4. She has also collaborated on projects with Beyonce, Jay-Z and Kamasi Washington, and was a founding curator of Boiler Room’s video platform 4:3, alongside Elijah Wood, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Peaches. In this talk from Sheffield Doc/Fest 2019 Jenn talks to Amar Ediriwira, Boiler Room's Acquisitions Director and Film Curator, and head of its video platform 4:3. They discuss her work as an artist and filmmaker, including new archive-based short BLACK TO TECHNO, which explores the origins and impact of the Detroit techno scene. Produced by Carmen Thompson.

Arguably one of the greatest living filmmakers, who battled Klaus Kinski on the set of Aguirre, Wrath of God, dragged a ship over a hill for Fitzcarraldo and famously ate his own shoe on film after a losing bet, came to Doc/Fest 2019 to discuss his acclaimed career with broadcaster Edith Bowman. Supported by BBC Arts

We welcomed BAFTA-winning actor Vicky McClure, star of This is England (produced by Sheffield based Warp Films), as well as Line of Duty and Broadchurch, to Sheffield Doc/Fest for the first time in 2018, to discuss her new BBC series, Vicky McClure: My Dementia Choir, produced by Curve, a deeply personal journey to discover the extent of music's power to fight dementia. For the series, Nottingham born Vicky, who has close personal experience of dementia through caring for her grandmother, joined forces with the University of Nottingham to form a unique choir for one unforgettable performance. Vicky discusses the making of the programmes, her role with the Alzheimer's Society and the ambition to leave a lasting legacy in our understanding of how music therapy can help people with dementia.  Supported by BBC

Brian Reed (Host and co-creator of S-Town) and Richard Miron (Director/Producer of For the Birds) explore the real life mysteries and strange tales that inspired their work. Chaired by Lyndon Saunders (University of Salford). This talk was part of the 2018 Doc/Fest Exchange: Head Space programme of special talks, films and activity, with a focus on mental health, supported by Wellcome.