Sunrise is about community, celebrating filmmaking, creating a platform for bold stories, and making everyone feel welcome in a friendly festival environment, and we can’t believe another festival is now over.

This year we showcased more films than ever, had 104 nominees and awarded 26 films with awards at our annual awards ceremony.

At just five years old we’ve achieved so much, and grown more than we could imagine in such a short space of time, from filmmakers, to independent film lovers and local audience members that come for our family friendly outdoor cinemas, everything may not always go perfectly but we pride ourselves in the inclusive community we create and our proud to be located in Lowestoft at the Marina Theatre.

Thank you if you’ve supported us through the years, submitted a film to our 5th edition, attended this year’s festival or are yet to make an event. We know the road ahead will be challenging, but we’re excited to move forward with Sunrise as our own independent nonprofit, proudly delivered by passionate volunteers.

Most importantly, we need you, our wonderful community, to continue to support us by continuing to attend, submit a film or interest with our posts on social media and spread the word.

Tell us about your experience and help us be able to continue and shape our festival for another 25 years.

Complete our Survey here - sunrisefilmfestival.co.uk/survey

As a thank you for your time, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 voucher, redeemable at major UK high street brands.

But hurry, our survey will close at midnight on Saturday 5 September, we will announce our prize draw winner on Sunday 6 September.

Sunrise Film Festival is delighted to announce that we have been ranked among FilmFreeway’s Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals.

According to reviews from real FilmFreeway users, Sunrise now sits in the top 1% of more than 14,000 film festivals and creative contests worldwide.

This recognition is a testament to the countless hours of hard work, care, and passion that our team and volunteers have devoted to building a festival that champions independent film, diverse storytelling, and underrepresented filmmakers.

Since our founding in 2021, Sunrise has grown into the UK’s biggest celebration of Diverse Stories and Underrepresented Filmmakers.

Based in Lowestoft, Suffolk, and run entirely voluntarily by passionate independent film enthusiasts and filmmakers, we exist to provide an accessible platform for filmmakers every August, especially those whose work may not yet have been discovered by the wider festival circuit.

Our 6th edition of the BIFA and Grierson qualifying Sunrise Film Festival will take place from 19 to 22 August 2027 at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Voting is now live for British Independent Film Awards Cinema of the Year award, supported by Kia UK k is now open!

This award celebrates the cinemas that bring people together through the shared magic of watching great films on the big screen.

And… ten voters will win a year of free cinema tickets to their favourite cinema, plus champagne and wine! Just tick the giveaway box when you vote.

Cast your vote below

https://www.bifa.film/coty-vote/marina-theatre

Voting closes on Monday 21 September. Everyone aged 18+ who votes can also opt in to the prize giveaway.

We’re excited to announce we’re back at the Marina Theatre for 4 days of film, talks and activities that celebrate cinema, from 19 to 22 August 2027, and you can now submit your films for a chance of being part of our 6th edition.

Whether it’s a Short Film of any genre or style, a Feature Film, Music video, Virtual Reality or a Micro Short, we’d love to see your work.

Our 6th edition is a BIFA and Grierson qualifying edition, and our submissions for 2027 close on 29 November 2026.

Submit Here

Throughout the year, the Marina Theatre presents some of the best new releases in films and screenings of live theatre and art.

From Oscar-nominated pictures to West End Musicals, the cinema programme is something the Marina Theatre are really proud of.

Pick up a guide from their Box Office and enjoy getting lost in a story on the largest cinema screen on the Suffolk Coast!

Something not to be missed is Once Upon a Time in Suffolk (12A)

After years of collaboration and dedication, Once Upon a Time in Suffolk is finally ready to share its unique collection of stories with audiences.

Eight stories. One region. A Feature film made by East Anglian talent.

Browse Upcoming Cinema Screenings Here

Browse Upcoming Event & Theatre Screenings Here

Made possible with the 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 19-22 August 2027 💛🧡🩷

P.S.

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