The 17th edition of Sheffield Doc/Fest will open with the UK premiere of Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work on Nov 3rd.

US comedian Rivers is expected to attend the screening, along with the film’s directors Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg. The three will also take part in a masterclass during the festival.

The documentary, which had its world premiere at Sundance, was filmed over the course of a year, and follows Rivers as she fights to remain the queen of comedy.

Doc/Fest director Heather Croall said: “As soon as I got word from Sundance about Joan Rivers, A Piece of Work I knew this could make the perfect opening event for Doc/Fest. When I saw it at Tribeca I knew we had to have it! We’re delighted to have the UK premiere of Ricki and Annie’s film and to have Joan Rivers attend with them.”

The documentary festival runs from November 3-7 in the UK city of Sheffield.  It will be the last time the festival is held in November, before it moves to its June slot in 2011.