What Is The Alternate Realities Programme At Sheffield DocFest 2025?

When it comes to film festivals, most people imagine comfy seats, popcorn, and big screens. But what if a festival asked you to step inside the story? That’s exactly what the Alternate Realities programme at Sheffield DocFest is all about—and this year, it’s going deeper and bolder than ever. With virtual reality (VR), immersive soundscapes, and interactive installations, it’s like swapping your cinema ticket for a key to another world.

Starting 18 June, this year’s festival kicks off with a powerful headline exhibition by artist and filmmaker Baff Akoto, and a fresh lineup of international VR experiences—all at Site Gallery in Sheffield. If you’ve ever wondered how technology and storytelling collide to make you feel something real, this is where to start.

Alternate Realities opens with Collateral Echoes by Baff Akoto

Let’s talk about the centrepiece first. Collateral Echoes is not your average art piece—it’s a deeply emotional, tech-driven installation by Baff Akoto that honours the lives of Black and immigrant Britons who’ve died after encounters with police since 1969.

This is more than just watching something—it’s feeling it. The exhibition weaves together moving images, XR (which stands for Extended Reality—a mix of VR and other immersive tech), and surround sound. You'll hear poetry from the late Benjamin Zephaniah, spoken word by Paapa Essiedu, and real-life stories from affected communities. The whole experience dives into themes like loss, memory, and resilience—stuff that’s hard to talk about but even harder to ignore.

Akoto puts it best:

“Collateral Echoes was borne from real systemic and collective pain. The kind that happens when the world breaks... maybe we can start to heal collectively - instead of looking away.”

The piece premieres at Sheffield DocFest (18–23 June 2025), but don’t worry if you miss the main event—it stays open at Site Gallery until 13 July. And yes, it’s free.

Step inside a cinema that doesn’t have seats

Just across the road at Site Gallery Studio I, you’ll find the VR Cinema. And this is where things get wildly creative.

This isn’t like watching a 3D movie with funny glasses. It’s strapping on a headset and being inside a story. Whether it's walking through a protest, feeling the rush of ADHD, or stepping into someone else’s shoes during a moment of crisis, each experience is designed to pull you in.

Here’s what’s on the 2025 VR Cinema lineup:

• DOLLHOUSE for Queer Imaginaries (South Africa)
  A dreamlike reimagining of what "home" means for queer communities—playful, colourful, and collaborative.
• Speechless Witness of a Wandering Tree (Iran/Netherlands)
  Told through the eyes of a protester blinded during demonstrations in Iran. It’s haunting and unforgettable.
• Impulse: Playing with Reality (UK/France)
  Narrated by Tilda Swinton, this one throws you into the mental chaos and creative energy of living with ADHD.
• Walking Alone, Text You When I'm Home (Germany)
  A 360° journey that tackles street harassment using abstract visuals and first-person accounts.
• Space for Action (Australia)
  Quietly powerful. This experience uncovers the hidden systems behind domestic abuse and lifts up survivors’ voices.

Each piece is around 10–20 minutes long, but they’ll stick with you much longer.

Why this matters (even if you’re not “into” art)

Okay, so maybe VR and immersive art sound a bit “niche.” But here’s the thing—these experiences are designed for real people, not art snobs or tech nerds. They help us understand things we might not have lived through ourselves. And that’s kind of the whole point.

Imagine a friend trying to explain how it feels to live with ADHD. You might nod and listen, but chances are you won’t really get it. Now imagine being inside their brain for 15 minutes. That’s the kind of empathy immersive art can build.

What’s Sheffield DocFest all about?

If you’re not already familiar, Sheffield DocFest is the big deal for documentaries in the UK. It's been running for 32 years and brings together filmmakers, artists, and curious folks from all over the world. It’s not just about film anymore—immersive art, TV, talks, and virtual reality are all part of the mix.

The festival runs from 18–23 June 2025, with venues spread across Sheffield, including The Crucible Theatre, Showroom Cinema, The Light, Curzon Sheffield, and of course, Site Gallery.

And if you’re on a budget? No worries. Entrance to the Alternate Realities programme is completely free.

Quick facts and dates

• Collateral Echoes by Baff Akoto
  Site Gallery, Sheffield
  Opens 18 June (with DocFest) – remains open till 13 July 2025
• VR Cinema at Site Gallery Studio I
  Featuring five international pieces about identity, resistance, and mental health
• Entry is free and open to all
• Funded by the BFI Audience Projects Fund, Arts Council England, and others

One last thing…

Even if you’re not the kind of person who usually goes to galleries, this might surprise you. It’s intimate. It’s personal. And it’s not about looking at art from a distance—it’s about standing inside a story that changes how you see the world.

So if you’re in or near Sheffield this June, take a break from the usual. Pop into Site Gallery. You might not be able to explain what you saw. But you’ll feel it. And honestly, that’s kind of the point.

For more info or press access:
sheffielddocfest@premiercomms.com
www.sheffdocfest.com/press-accreditation-open-2025

Sheffield DocFest runs 18–23 June 2025
Alternate Realities exhibition open till 13 July
Venue: Site Gallery, Sheffield
Free entry. No booking needed.