Irish filmmaker selected for 2026 Netflix Documentary Talent Fund

Wicklow filmmaker Helen Sanfey has been selected as one of the winners of the 2026 Netflix Documentary Talent Fund.

She will receive funding from Netflix to make an original short documentary of 8–12 minutes in length, supported by a production budget of £30,000.

Produced in partnership with UK producer Catherine Donohoe, the award-winning documentary, Lisdoonvarna: Changing The Algorithm.

The documentary is set in the Lisdonvarna Matchmaking Festival, Europe's largest singles event. The 165-year-old tradition draws over 60,000 visitors from around the world, replacing dating algorithms with live country music, ceili dancing and face-to-face matchmakers.

The journey follows a 21-year-old man who under the guidance of his 83-year-old grandfather Willie Daly, Ireland's last traditional matchmaker, embarks on a journey to learn the timeless art of finding love.

Five filmmaking teams were selected by industry experts from thousands of applications to receive funding.

The selected films will be developed in partnership with Sheffield DocFest and will premiere at the festival in summer 2027.

“The Netflix Documentary Talent Fund is a powerful initiative that recognises both the urgency and the responsibility of supporting creative documentary storytelling,” said Raul Niño Zambrano, Creative Director of Sheffield DocFest.

“At a moment when access to funding remains one of the greatest challenges for filmmakers, this commitment helps to open doors for new voices and underrepresented perspectives.

“At Sheffield DocFest, we celebrate partnerships like this that not only invest in films, but in the future of the documentary community as a whole."

In the first three years of the fund, 21 short films have been produced with over 70 festival screenings. Following last year’s film releases, Owen Tooth became a 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough and his film BAND screened at the This is England film festival in Rouen, France.

"We are incredibly proud of the films and creative talent we have seen over the years through the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund. This year’s cohort is no different," said Kate Townsend, who was one of the panel judges.

"The inspiring and entertaining stories we heard on pitch day are testament to the level of talent across the UK and Ireland, and made our jobs of whittling down to five films an incredibly tough one.

"We look forward to collaborating with these filmmakers over the next year; watching their finished films in Sheffield next summer, and seeing their careers progress in the future.”