Suffolk’s largest film festival is BACK! Sunrise Film Festival returns this August for its celebratory 5th edition!

In August 2026, the BIFA (British Independent Film Awards and Grierson-qualifying seaside film festival is taking over the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Whether you’re a massive film lover, an aspiring filmmaker, or just looking for an unforgettable weekend out with friends and family, Sunrise offers four days of incredible cinema, world premieres, and interactive visual arts right on the coast.

This is our biggest and most exciting year yet. Out of a record-breaking 1,136 global submissions, we’ve curated an incredible lineup of 263 films across 52 separate screenings.

Representing 34 countries, including 31 homegrown East Anglian films, the festival proudly champions diverse storytelling, with a remarkable 68% of the lineup being F-Rated (led by female directors, writers, or producers).

There is truly something for everyone packed into just four days. Dive into curated blocks of drama, comedy, documentary, animation, and experimental film, or experience our brand-new Sci-Fi and Twisted Romance strands.

Beyond the traditional cinema screen, you can step into immersive tech with our Virtual Reality showcase at the Marina Studio, or hunt down the ultra-intimate One Bum Cinema Club installation.

We are also bringing the festival energy into the sunshine! Our much-loved Outdoor Cinema powered by Silent Headphones returns to the Marina Yard with 9 family-friendly screenings, including classics like Jurassic Park and a completely free screening of The Wild Robot to celebrate the National Year of Reading.

Plus, our brand-new ‘B-Roll on Marina Road’ street takeover, featuring free activities and stalls from brilliant local makers and artists.

Don't miss the ultimate celebration of independent film on the Suffolk coast. Grab your passes or outdoor cinema tickets, support independent film, and join us for an unforgettable four days this August!

Watch Our Festival Trailer on YouTube Here

Or watch it on Instagram @sunrisefilmfest

Striking a masterful balance between homegrown talent and global perspectives:

An incredible 68% of the 2026 programme is F-Rated, meaning the films are directed, produced, or written by women, or feature significant female characters on screen.

Grab your festival pass:

Sunrise Festival Pass - £20

Sunrise Film Pass - £12.50

Industry Pass - £15

Day Passes - £7.50

This year, Sunrise Film Festival welcomed a record number of film submissions, equating to just over 305 hours of viewing. With this spike in submissions came longer films, greater diversity in themes, and fresh takes on familiar styles and stories.

Once again, we recruited a group of volunteer curators to build our most exciting programme yet, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of filmmakers from across the UK and beyond. The films you’ll see at Sunrise this year are bold and enlightening, sharing important stories across the big screen.

We’ve expanded our drama strand to explore ideas of home, the ties that bind us, crime, and power. We’ve similarly expanded romance to include a dedicated twisted romance strand alongside a more traditional, heartfelt romance strand. Our 5th edition also sees us, for the first time, showcasing sci-fi within its own dedicated 90-minute screening.

Made possible with support of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from the National Lottery in order to bring this project to more audiences across the UK.

Join us in Lowestoft from 20-23 August 2026 💛🧡🩷

P.S.

New here? Check out our Website to get a taste of what Sunrise is all about.