Palin to give Masterclass at Sheffield Doc/Fest 2008

Sheffielder Michael Palin will give an exclusive interview 6 November 2008, as part of Sheffield Doc/Fest’s line up of leading masterclasses.

Interviewed by Simon Calder, travel editor of The Independent, Palin will be sharing highlights from his legendary travel TV series and revealing his best and worst moments on the road.

The Doc/Fest audience will get a unique insight into how Palin made the transition from comedy into documentary: the practicalities of filming in the middle of nowhere and some of the funniest and hairiest moments along the way - including his audition to be a belly dancer, drinking Amazonian wine fermented with old ladies saliva and being recognised by Eskimos as a star of The Holy Grail.

Palin will also go beyond the TV series, to explore the future of cross-platform technologies in his future ventures.

The masterclass, which will see Palin return to his home city, will be held at Sheffield Hallam University’s Pennine Theatre. The distinguished documentary maker will use the opportunity to share how his experience of growing up in Sheffield led to such a varied and interesting career.

The event will run between 4pm and 6pm and is free for Doc/Fest delegates. Members of the public are also welcome to attend; tickets will go on sale on 28 September and will be available from The Showroom Cinema’s Box Office priced at £10/£8 (concessions).