Three Screen Ireland-supported documentaries selected for Sheffield DocFest 2026
Posted: 29th April 2026
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is delighted to congratulate the teams behind three Irish documentaries Lesbian Lines, Forever is Now and Try!, which have been selected for the 2026 edition of Sheffield DocFest. Sheffield DocFest is the UK's leading documentary festival, and the 2026 edition will showcase over 200 screenings, including 45 World Premieres and 17 International Premieres, from 64 countries.
Lesbian Lines, directed by Cara Holmes, will receive its World Premiere in International Competition. An intimate portrait of a network of underground telephone helplines established by a small community of Irish lesbians in 1979, Lesbian Lines brings together an ensemble cast of original helpline volunteers and actors to breathe life into this rich, undocumented history, weaving collective memories into a moving and joyful new archive. The film is produced by Evan Horan for Keeper Pictures, and supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, New Dawn and RTÉ.
Try!, directed by Oisín Mistéil, follows four Irish Rugby teams who defy stereotypes and tackle their way to the Mixed Ability Rugby World Cup, where full-contact sport meets joyful belonging. The film will receive its World Premiere in the 'People & Community' strand of the festival. The film is produced by Claire McCabe for Pipedream Productions, and supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán and Virgin Media.
Forever is Now, directed by Neasa Ní Chianáin, is an Ireland-Netherlands-Belgium co-production and will receive its International Premiere in Sheffield after debuting at the Dublin International Film Festival earlier this year. As public enthusiasm for climate action fades across Europe, Irish Green Party leader Eamon Ryan refuses to step back, whatever the personal and political cost. Filmed over the politician's final 18 months in government, the film tracks Ryan's efforts to push through one of Europe's most ambitious climate plans while advocating internationally for renewable energy and climate justice for the Global South.
The Sheffield DocFest takes place from the 10th to 15th of June, 2026.