Sheffield DocFest Podcast

This year the battle for the future of digital distribution intensified. The founders of Pirate Bay were found guilty of assistance to copyright infringement and sentenced to a year in jail. A Shooting People poll indicated that ordinary filmmakers were deeply divided. A third welcomed the verdict saying they would never download a pirated film, but 22% had no problems with piracy and 41% would do so in certain circumstances. In July, 7% of Swedish people voted for the Pirate Party in the European elections winning 2 seats reminding us that P2P sites are meeting the needs of a growing audience. if we cant beat them, can we join them to benefit both creators and audiences?

Not so long ago the arts were declared dead on TV. But has there been a resurgence? Or are broadcasters merely paying lip service to MPs, OFCOM and the press? What kind of arts films are being made? And what about films as art?

Getting your film commissioned by a UK broadcaster is not the only way to be a documentary filmmaker (and earn a living from it!). From funds and foundations to DIY distribution, to the world of international co-production, this session looks at the more interesting options that are available in the UK and some of the lesser-known ways of getting funding from Europe and North America.

From Gates of Heaven, The Thin Blue Line, Vernon Florida, A Brief History of Time, Fast Cheap and Out of Control to Mr Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A Leutcher, Jr. Errol Morris has continued to make some of the most controversial, influential and thought-provoking films in the documentary field. "Morris is a one-of-a-kind filmmaker capable of melding science, philosophy, poetry and sheer whimsy into an elaborate mediation on mankind's mysteries. His unique ability to get subjects to open up can be attributed to his genuine interest and concern. This coupled with extremely diverse interests results in his fidning something extraordinary in the ordinary". Janet Maslin, The New York Times. We are honoured that Errol Morris is returning to Sheffield to discuss his singular approach to film making.

Documentary filmmakers struggle with licensing problems when they quote or even accidentally capture copyrighted or trademarked works in their films. How have filmmakers made the law friendlier to quation and what can others do to help themselves? Initiatives in the US, Canada and Europe are discussed.

In the wake of ten years of 'Storyville', including an Oscar, ninety nine other prizes, and BBC cuts, Nick Fraser looks at the current state of documentaries aka factual films that may or may not be shown on television, in cinemas or on the internet. "This is not a reterospective", he insists. "Our industry is full of self congratulatory events, and I have no desire to add to these. Instead, I look for a mixture of polemic and peer into the future". Nick Fraser is going to illustrate with clips of future 'Storyvilles'.

Internationally acclaimed documentary maker Bob Connolly presents a fascinating session on his work and longstanding collaboration with Robin Anderson, who tragically passed away in March 2002. Using film clips as illustration, Connolly talks about making his compelling films with Anderson, including their momentous Papua New Guinea triology (First Contact, Joe Leahy's neighbours, Black Harvest), Rats in the Ranks and Facing the Music. Facing the Music was selected by guest curator Kim Longinotto for screening in this year's festival.

Since first appearing on screen as a correspondent for Michael Moore's TV Nation in the early 90's, Louis Theroux's compelling documentaries about marginal subcultures have gained him cult status with viewers obsessed with his 'Alan Wicker school of thought'...ask a question, keep quiet and see what happens. In this masterclass, BAFTA winning Theroux will screen clips and discuss many behind the scenes stories of making his docs. A chance to hear about Theroux's unique techniques and interviewing style with much time for your questions too!

Over the past twenty-five years Nick Broomfield has established himself as Britain's best known and most accomplished documentary filmmaker. Beginning his career by looking at the plight of working class communities in Liverpool, he has subsequently pursued on camera and in his own inimitable style the likes of South African supremacist Eugene Terre Blanche, comedienne Lily Tomlin, Margret Thatcher and rock star Courtney Love. Recently moving into what Broomfield terms "real cinema" with 'Ghosts' and 'Battle for Haditha', the session will feature Broomfield talking about his life, his work and his inspirations with Jason Wood.