Sheffield International Documentary Festival is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Director. Heather Croall, formerly Director of the Australian International Documentary Conference, will start in post early April. Heather’s career in the Australian screen industry has included working as a company director, independent documentary producer, festival director and consultant. Heather has also worked for government film funding agency the South Australian Film Corporation, has gained international recognition for new media and cross-platform research and projects and regularly attends documentary and digital media markets, festivals, workshops and conferences around the world. Sheffield International Documentary Festival takes place 30 October – 5 November 2006.

Steve Hewlett, festival Chair commented:

“We are delighted to welcome Heather to lead the festival team, I am confident that she will take this already established festival on to new heights. With a track record of successful events management, an established reputation and boundless energy and enthusiasm, Heather will make a great addition to a team ready to take on new challenges.”

Heather's first AIDC in 2005 was hailed as a major success internationally and it attracted a record number of international buyers and award-winning guests. Heather was also awarded a fellowship in 2005 to research international developments in cross-platform documentary production with attachments at WGBH in Boston, The Bell Fund in Toronto, Nesta Futurelab and the BBC in London.

Heather stated:
“I am thrilled to be moving to the UK to work on a festival of international repute and look forward to making the festival the premier point on the international calendar for documentary film and factual TV.”