Sunrise Film Festival 2026

Suffolk's celebration of independent film and visual arts

Sunrise Film Festival has fast become one of the UK's favourite seaside film festivals. The BIFA-qualifying festival returns this August in Lowestoft across the Marina Theatre and town centre.

The UK’s fastest-growing British Independent Film Awards-qualifying film festival celebrates undiscovered stories and filmmakers from the UK and internationally on the big screen and with Outdoor Cinemas in a beautiful seaside setting.

During the festival, you’ll be able to experience some of the best short films from our region, across the UK, and internationally, along with special screenings, VR experiences, and workshops celebrating the power of storytelling and visual arts on screen.

There’s something for everyone, from drama, comedy, documentary, animation, experimental films, and genre-bending narratives to premieres, creative workshops, and family screenings, plus the return of our much-loved Outdoor Cinema powered by Silent Disco Headphones.

Whether you’re a big film lover, an aspiring filmmaker, or just love something different, Sunrise Film Festival offers four days of unforgettable film and exciting visual arts activities, with something for all your friends and family of all ages.