Steve James’ “The Interrupters” Wins Big at Sheffield Doc/Fest
Veteran documentary filmmakers took center stage at the Sheffield Doc/Fest awards ceremony on Sunday.
Steve James (“Hoop Dreams”) took home the festival’s top honor, the Special Jury Award, for his acclaimed film “The Interrupters,” which made its European premiere at the event.
“It’s such a great time to make documentaries,” James said in accepting his award. “There’s such incredible work being made right now. Thanks so much, and I guess now… more drinking, right?”
Prolific U.K. filmmaker Nick Broomfield (“Biggie and Tupac”) was also honored, taking home the Inspiration Award for his body of work.
“I like to think my career’s just starting,” said Broomfield, “so it’s kind of embarrassing to receive this.”
In other awards, the hot button Donald Trump bashing documentary, “You’ve Been Trumped,” which premiered at Hot Docs in Toronto, picked up the Sheffield Green Award, given to a documentary that best addresses environmental challenges. Sheffield based filmmakers Daniel Lucchesi and Alex Ramseyer-Bache gave the most heartfelt speech of the day, in collecting the Sheffield Youth Jury Award for “We Are Poets,” a rousing film that tracks a group of Leeds teenagers who take part in Brave New Voices, the most prestigious poetry slam competition in America.
“It was only three days ago that we on master tape,” Lucchesi said on the podium. “For it to premiere yesterday and get the reception it’s gotten is really mind blowing.”
Below find the full list of winners:
The Special Jury Award
“The Interrupters,” Director Steve JamesThe Inspiration Award
Nick BroomfieldSheffield Youth Jury Award
“We Are Poets,” Directors Daniel Lucchesi and Alex Ramseyer-BacheThe Sheffield Green Award
“You’ve Been Trumped,” Director Anthony Baxter
Honorable Mention: “Up in Smoke,” Director Adam WakelingThe Sheffield Innovation Award
“Welcome to Pine Point,” Directors Paul Shoebridge and Michael Simons
Honorable Mention: “The Nine Muses,” Director John AkomfrahStudent Doc Award
“Eighty Eight,” Directors Josh Bamford, Seb Feehan and Hannah Bone
