The Circuit

I’ve never attended the UK’s Sheffield Doc/Fest, but a press release concerning two new awards sent me to their website, where things seem strange. The Green Award will be given to a doc exploring environmental issues. The prize: “Carbon Planet, a CO2 emissions reduction company will conduct a free Carbon Emission Audit for the winning documentary.” It costs 60 quid to be considered, and to get what could be a pretty embarrassing report card on your green film.  Another award, The Innovation Award, costs another 60. The Doc/Fest boosts an impressive list of attendees in the past. Journalists I’ve spoken with praise the fest. But as with many festivals, it could be struggling. In a letter on the fest site, new programmer David Teigeler regrets that they’ve had to impose an entry fee this year, separate from the Award entry fees, it seems. But he’s trying to make for it: “Each film will receive (anonymous) comments why the film has not been selected. This decision to give feedback will hopefully help the film maker in the future and aid the film in its further life.”  Sheffield Doc/Fest runs November 7-11.  (Mike Jones)