Sheffield Doc/Fest has today been awarded £175,000 by the UK Film Council (UKFC) to help consolidate its position as a festival of national significance.

Already established as one of the best documentary festivals in the world, the funding from the UK Film Council will help Doc/Fest to widen its reach to a diverse public audience, particularly young people. The money, which will span over three years, will be used to make films available on the internet, present major masterclasses via the Digital Screen Network and help develop the organisation’s infrastructure.

Doc/Fest was one of only seven festivals that received funding from the UKFC Film Festivals Fund, which seeks to give an increased number of people the opportunity to enjoy more films, learn about film and meet filmmakers, as well as raise the profile of British film at home and abroad.

Steve Hewlett, Chair of the Sheffield Doc/Fest Executive Board says: “This is great news and welcome recognition of Sheffield Doc/Fest’s status as a major UK festival. We are indebted to the UK Film Council. It has shown considerable confidence in Sheffield and I am certain that Festival Director Heather Croall and the Doc/Fest team will repay that confidence with interest”.

John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council says: “People love film and festivals give people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to immerse themselves in a huge array of exciting and powerful films. This funding will provide a huge step up for festivals that have major plans to reach out to thousands more people and raise their profile significantly.”

Sally Joynson, Chief Executive of Screen Yorkshire, said: "This is absolutely wonderful news for Doc/Fest, Sheffield and Yorkshire. Doc/Fest is now one of the top three documentary festivals in the world and in recognition of that thoroughly deserves this funding from the UK Film Council. Screen Yorkshire will continue to support and work with Doc/Fest to ensure further success. I'd like to congratulate Heather and her team."