Sheffield DocFest appoints Anne Morrison as new chair

With planning underway for the 32^nd edition of the Sheffield DocFest taking place, 18^th – 23^rd June, 2025, the festival announce the appointment of their new Chair of the Board of Trustees, Anne Morrison.

After an open recruitment period over the Summer, and Autumn interviews, Anne Morrison was unanimously voted in as successor to outgoing Chair, Alex Cooke, who has overseen the organisation through the last five editions. Anne is joining Sheffield DocFest as a trustee and Chair Designate, assuming full Chair responsibilities from June 2025 onward.

Anne Morrison is an executive producer, and media consultant, with a distinguished career in documentaries and factual programme making and a long-term commitment to diversity and talent development. Previously CEO and Creative Director at the independent production company, Nevision, where she won BAFTA, RTS and Grierson Awards, she was a trustee of BAFTA for seven years and the second woman to be its Chair.

During her time at BBC Television, Anne led a range of factual television departments, including Documentaries, Leisure, Factual Entertainment and Live Events, and was responsible for many award-winning programmes, with a team of over 1000 programme makers across the UK and in the US. She was later responsible for planning and overseeing the significant growth of BBC network television from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In 2009, she was appointed as the first Director of the BBC Academy, leading for five years the largest broadcast training and development in the UK. Anne is currently conducting a review, jointly with Chris Banatvala, of the BBC’s portrayal and representation in its output, at the request of the BBC Board.

As Chair of the Board of Trustees at Sheffield DocFest, Anne will lead the Trustees on all aspects of governance, ensuring the board has an inclusive atmosphere and active contribution from all members. She will develop, maintain and nurture relationships with strategic partners and major stakeholders, acting as a public advocate for the festival nationally and internationally, as well as supporting the festival leadership team in the development of organisational strategy.

Brain Woods, Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees, says “I am delighted that Anne Morrison has joined the Board of Trustees as Chair Designate.  Alex Cooke has agreed to stay on as Chair for an extended handover period to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible, while Anne completes a major piece of work reviewing the BBC’s output.  The Board of Trustees is enormously grateful to Alex for the inspiring leadership she has given for the last 4 years.”

Anne Morrison, incoming Chair Designate says “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.”

Alex Cooke, Chair of the Board of Trustees says “I am so pleased to hand the reins over to Anne, and to work alongside her in the coming months. The breadth of her experience across strategy, production, audiences, and her on-going commitment to developing new talent, couldn’t be more relevant to the goals and ambitions of the charity. DocFest is poised for a fantastic 2025, with record attendees and public engagement this year, and exciting plans already underway for our next edition’.

Annabel Grundy, Managing Director, Sheffield DocFest says: “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.