Sheffield DocFest, the UK’s leading documentary festival and Climate Spring, a global organisation working to shift our cultural response to the climate crisis through film, TV and popular culture, are delighted to announce the return of the Climate Spring Pitch at Sheffield DocFest in 2026. Applications open today and close at 1pm on Monday, 11th May 2026.
Four shortlisted creatives will be invited to pitch their idea at Sheffield DocFest in June 2026 and one winner will receive £10,000 in production funding.
Judges are looking for early development, high-impact, short-form documentary formats designed specifically for digital platforms, for example, a visual podcast, interview series, archive documentary, access, comedy show, roadtrip, talent-led format or influencer explainer.
Proposals must consider one of two theme strands:
Rethinking the Future – stories that show how system change in areas including technology, food, transport, housing, or energy can improve lives
The Power of Community, looking at ideas that celebrate community and co-operation