Sheffield DocFest And IDA To Collaborate On “Alternate Realities” Exhibition And Summit

deadline.com:

Sheffield DocFest, the U.K.’s leading nonfiction film festival, and the International Documentary Association are set to combine forces for the Alternate Realities Exhibition and Summit at the upcoming 31st edition of Sheffield DocFest, running from June 12-17.

The Alternate Realities program, launched in 2013, showcases “innovative non-fiction and immersive documentaries in all forms, breaking the boundaries of traditional documentary practice and using cutting edge technology – including virtual reality, use of artificial intelligence, video gaming platforms, augmented reality, and interactive web documentaries.” Selected artists and industry speakers will participate in the Alternate Realities Summit on site at Sheffield DocFest on Sunday, June 16, connecting media makers with “industry including curators, international festivals, galleries, media institutions, educational institutions, production companies, tech companies, broadcasters and distribution platforms for new media.” In addition, Sheffield DocFest will present a free exhibition of works at Site Gallery that will be open to industry delegates and the public.

The Alternate Realities Exhibition will be curated by Sheffield DocFest Creative Director Raul Niño Zambrano, alongside the IDA’s Director of Funds Keisha Knight, and Director of Artist Programs Abby Sun, supported by Alternate Realities Program Producer Jack Rutherford. “We are very excited to join forces with IDA, an organization we have always felt close to and that shares our passion for works at the intersection of technology, arts and documentary,” said Zambrano, Sheffield DocFest creative director. “Our conversations and explorations around the future of immersive work have allowed us to