It will be the world premiere of Moving to Mars: A Millions Miles from Burma, a documentary following two families as they are relocated from a refugee camp in Thailand to Sheffield and depicting their emotional and sometimes humorous struggles to adapt.

"I had heard about the film when they were making it in 2007 but then there was a hold-up in completing it and it was only earlier this year I finally got to see it," says Sheffield Doc/Fest programmer Hussain Currimbhoy.

"Watching the early scenes in a Thai refugee camp, I fell in love with it, and then when I heard them say the place they were coming to in Britain was Sheffield I nearly fell off my seat. It was one of those moments, it was perfect for us. And then as the film continues you start seeing things you recognise.

"The film has been made by Mat Whitecross, an exciting young film-maker. That's another important thing for the festival, to encourage new talent."

At the same time the programme will include work by leading film-makers including RJ Cutler, Chris Hegedus and DA Pennebaker, Kim Longinotto, Nick Broomfield, Penny Woolcock, Michel Negroponte, Franny Armstrong and Leslie Woodhead.

Over five days the festival will present more than 120 films from 21 countries, including 19 world premieres, 10 European premieres and 45 UK premieres.

The premier event on the UK documentary industry's calendar is opening its doors wider to the public this year with events in various city centre locations as well as its main base at the Showroom cinema.

There will be a range of free events for everyone. Students and senior citizens are able to receive free standby tickets to the entire programme (excluding opening night). They should turn up ten minutes before the start of the film to check availability.

This year, Doc/Fest is taking over empty shop units along The Moor for a selection of projects.