Market · Sheffield DocFest
Sheffield DocFest MeetMarket 2027
Next call not out yet. Usually closes in January
One of the main documentary pitching markets. The 2026 call closed on 28 January 2026 and the 2027 call is expected on a similar timeline. The festival runs 9 to 14 June 2027. Teams from ODA DAC-list countries can ask for a lower fee before paying.
- Who can apply
- Feature documentaries, TV one-offs and series in early development, late development or production, with a producer or executive producer and a director attached. No minimum financing. Projects selected before cannot reapply; unselected ones can.
- Fee
- 30 pounds + VAT to enter; 260 pounds + VAT per attending team member if selected; discounts for teams based in ODA DAC-list countries
- What you get
- Pre-arranged one-to-one meetings with commissioners, funders and distributors at Sheffield DocFest. A Rough Cut Presentations strand serves films in post.
- Formats
- Documentary, Series, Feature
- You hear back
- Mid April (2026 cycle)
- When it runs
- Sheffield DocFest, 9 to 14 June 2027
- Apply through
- Own site
- Languages
- English
What to send
- Title in original language and English
- Logline (max 300 characters)
- Synopsis (max 600 characters)
- Project description and approach (max 3,500 characters)
- Director's intent (max 1,750 characters)
- Preview up to 3 minutes (15 for Rough Cut)
- Landscape lead image
- Financing plan and budget in GBP
How to apply
- Read the guidelines and check your stage fits MeetMarket or Rough Cut.
- Email industry@sheffdocfest.com about the ODA discount if eligible, before paying.
- Prepare the written fields within the character limits.
- Upload a preview or a sample of previous work.
- Pay the entry fee; entries are not reviewed until paid.
Worth knowing
- List only confirmed financing; full budgets are not accepted.
- Feedback is not given on unselected projects.
Checked against Sheffield DocFest's own page on October 24, 2026. Dates and fees can change, so read their call before you apply.