Introduction to Sheffield Docfest
The Sheffield Docfest is honoring the producers and directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, co-founders of the production company World of Wonder (WOW), as this year’s guests of honor. They are the masterminds behind the popular show RuPaul’s Drag Race. The festival will feature some of their films and TV series, giving attendees a glimpse into their work.
Exclusive Previews and Sessions
The UK Festival will have an exclusive preview of the first episode of HBO’s Murder in Glitterball City, which Bailey and Barbato directed. Additionally, there will be a session titled "Ronan Farrow in Conversation: From Podcast to Screen", where the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author, and radio host Ronan Farrow will lead a conversation about adapting podcasts into TV series.
Exploring the Past, Present, and Future
Bailey and Barbato will also explore their past, present, and future career in a "in conversation" event. They will reunite with Adam Buxton and Joe Cornish to revisit the origins of The Adam and Joe Show. The festival will also host the British premiere of Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, a documentary produced by the duo.
Groundbreaking Documentaries and Series
Bailey and Barbato’s documentaries and series have given a voice to outer and marginalized communities. Their work includes the Emmy award-winning RuPaul’s Drag Race and critically acclaimed documentaries such as Party Monster, Inside Deep Throat, and The Eyes of Tammy Faye. They have also launched a successful streaming platform, Wow Presents Plus, which is available worldwide.
Contribution to Popular Culture
The duo’s contribution to popular culture is undeniable. They have been at the forefront of creative and innovative storytelling, always pushing the boundaries of what is considered mainstream. As they stated, "Many thanks to Sheffield Docfest for the honor of curating this program, especially at a time when it is anything but ‘business as usual’."
Conclusion
Bailey and Barbato concluded by saying, "In other words, it’s all about ‘business as unusual’, and we are happy to explore what the future could hold with a sense of optimism, creativity, and wonder." Raul Niño Zambrano, Creative Director of Sheffield Docfest, praised the duo, saying they are "fearless trailblazers" who have extended the reach of LGBTQ+ voices on screens. The 32nd edition of the Sheffield Docfest will take place from June 18 to 23.
