DocFest 2012 line-up revealed

Searching For Sugar Man will launch this June's event.

by Jennie Kermode

This year's Sheffield DocFest will open with rock doc Searching For Sugar Man, which seeks out the legendary Sixto Rodriguez and explores the mystery behind his rise and fall. The star himself will attend, heading up a long list of guests who seem set to make this an intriguing event for the public as well as an invaluable opportunity to network for industry professionals.

In just five days, DocFest will screen 120 films, as well as offering masterclasses, Q&As, an awards ceremony and more. There's a strong focus on home-grown British movies this year, especially when it comes to emerging talent, and a special sporting strand will tie in with the London Olympics. China will be the foreign country focus and of course there will be documentary input from all around the world.

In what seems said to be another year full of revolutionary spirit, there's a special strand celebrating protest documentaries. Art also enjoys special focus, with Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry linking together several strands. To top it off, there's a selection of little-seen screen gems from the BFI archive.

DocFest will run from June 13 to 17. You can see our early coverage of the festival here.

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