Sheffield DocFest has announced the launch of GEN DocFest, a brand-new festival strand created entirely for children, young people, and families.
Running alongside the main festival from 6th to 15th June 2026, the new initiative marks the first time in the festival’s history that a dedicated programme has been built for younger audiences. The lineup will feature live interactive performances, hands-on workshops, family events, and accessible screenings designed to inspire the next generation of non-fiction storytelling lovers.
GEN DocFest Programme Highlights
- Horrible Histories & Horrible Science Crossover: A behind-the-scenes look at the hit CBBC comedies. Cast members Jess Ransom, Inel Tomlinson, and Richard David-Caine will join songwriter Richie Webb and crew live on stage for clips, production secrets, and a sing-a-long.
- Educating Yorkshire Retrospective: A decade after the BAFTA-nominated series filmed at Thornhill Community Academy, headteacher Matthew Burton, creator David Clews, and current pupils will discuss how the school and real-life documentary filming have evolved.
- Wild Futures (Sir David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday): In partnership with WildScreen, this day of adventure celebrates the legacy of the iconic broadcaster. It features an interactive global safari session with wildlife presenter and filmmaker Hannah Stitfall (BBC Springwatch), alongside animal lantern and mask-making workshops culminating in a “Mini Parade” at Tudor Square.
- Heaven 17 Family Rave: Hosted at The Steamworks by Big Fish Little Fish, this family-friendly rave celebrates the World Premiere of the legendary local band’s new documentary. It includes bubbles, giant balloons, a parachute dance finale, a licensed bar, and a Baby Chill Zone.
- Accessible & Immersive Experiences: An interactive, fully accessible live performance by FRONTLINEdance, a spoken-word show by viral activist Sam Browne, and Toddler Kino screenings—including Hamza Loves Animals: Africa! alongside presenter Hamza Yassin.
- Free Alternative Realities Exhibition: Sheffield of Stories by Adam Clarke, created with the National Videogame Museum. The project transforms Sheffield into a shared Minecraft world co-created by local children, which festival visitors can explore via projections or contribute to live online.
For schools and universities, GEN DocFest will also host three dedicated School Screening + Career Panels for Year 7 to 16+ students, featuring Q&As on breaking into the film and TV industries. Featured documentaries include Shop Dada: The Cornershop That Built Us by Sheffield filmmaker Darshan Gajjar, corporate forestry expose Wild East, and Syrian human rights film Maybe Tomorrow.
Mimi Poskitt, Managing Director at Sheffield DocFest, said:
“We decided to launch GEN DocFest, a new strand dedicated to children and families. Not only does this underscore our dedication to welcoming and inspiring the next generation of audiences and creators, but it will also help to ensure the documentary form remains inclusive, accessible and relevant for generations to come.”
