Anne Morrison takes up the position…
As preparations for the 32nd Sheffield DocFest, scheduled for 18th – 23rd June 2025, progress, the festival is delighted to announce Anne Morrison as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Following a public recruitment phase during the Summer and interviews in Autumn, Anne Morrison was unanimously elected to succeed the outgoing Chair, Alex Cooke, who has guided the organization through its past five editions. Anne joins Sheffield DocFest as a trustee and Chair Designate, set to take on full Chair responsibilities from June 2025.
Anne Morrison:
“Having visited and participated in Sheffield DocFest for more than 20 years, I am delighted to be chosen to chair this wonderful organisation, which is so close to my heart. Documentaries are more important than ever in illuminating our world and building empathy and understanding within it. I am honoured to follow on from Alex Cooke’s excellent chairmanship and look forward to working with her and the rest of the team to bring the 32nd edition to fruition.”
Anne Morrison, an executive producer and media consultant, boasts a notable career in documentaries and factual programming, with a steadfast dedication to diversity and talent development. Formerly the CEO and Creative Director at Nevision, an independent production company where she earned BAFTA, RTS, and Grierson Awards, she served as a BAFTA trustee for seven years and was the second woman to become its Chair.
At BBC Television, Anne managed various factual TV departments, including Documentaries, Leisure, Factual Entertainment, and Live Events, leading to numerous award-winning shows. She managed over 1000 program makers across the UK and the US.
Subsequently, she played a pivotal role in the expansion of BBC network television from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In 2009, she became the inaugural Director of the BBC Academy, overseeing the UK’s most extensive broadcast training and development initiative for five years. Currently, Anne is undertaking a review of the BBC’s portrayal and representation in its content, alongside Chris Banatvala, by the BBC Board’s request.
As the Chair of the Board of Trustees at Sheffield DocFest, Anne will guide the Trustees in all governance matters, fostering an inclusive environment and active participation from each member. She will cultivate, sustain, and strengthen relationships with strategic partners and key stakeholders, serve as a public spokesperson for the festival at both national and international levels, and assist the festival’s leadership team in crafting the organizational strategy.
Annabel Grundy, Managing Director, Sheffield DocFest:
“Our trustees are a vital support to the festival and volunteer enormous expertise, insight, connections and a listening ear to the team and our documentary community year-round.
“I am thrilled that Anne is joining us to further support and amplify everybody who makes sure DocFest continues to punch above its weight and remains joyfully innovative on the international and UK film & TV stage. I am so pleased to start working with Anne and deeply and personally grateful to Alex Cooke for her commitment and kindness in support of our leadership team during my first years at the festival.”
