Sunrise has fast become the UK's biggest celebration of Diverse Stories and Underrepresented Filmmakers, our 6th edition, of the BIFA & Grierson Qualifying Sunrise Film Festival takes place from 19 to 22 August 2027 in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
Submissions for our 6th edition in August 2027 are now open and close on 29 November 2026!
The serious bit:
Sunrise Film Festival, based in Lowestoft, Suffolk, UK, was founded in 2021 and is run voluntarily by passionate independent film enthusiasts and filmmakers to provide an important accessible platform for filmmakers like themselves every August.
We're passionate about creating a platform for filmmakers who are yet to be discovered (or picked up by the bigger film festival circuit), whilst making film accessible and proudly showcasing independent film to new audiences across overlooked communities.
Since 2021, we have screened just over 1,100 independent films as part of our official selection to our live audiences and have presented over 125 awards at our festival award ceremonies since inception.
Don't just take our word for it, here's what some of our Alumni have to say:
A wonderful festival experience from start to finish. The team go above and beyond to create fantastic experience for filmmakers and the care that went into the festival was evident throughout. We were thrilled to receive a Community Award nomination. Thank you to the whole Sunrise team for championing independent filmmakers and creating a space where diverse stories can truly be seen and celebrated. Highly recommend! - Cat White
Sunrise film festival truly is one of the best. Having screened with them two years running, they’ve helped me as an emerging filmmaker secure my place in the industry. Not only do they showcase a wonderful mix of films, they’ve helped also create a sense of community that extends outside of their screenings. The communication from their team is quick, consistent and always kind. Definitely a stand out festival for many reasons! - Charly Faye
Why Sunrise Film Festival?
As Suffolk's largest film festival, we're passionate about creating an inclusive platform for filmmakers here in East Anglia.
We've proudly been the bright and colourful film festival, loved by filmmakers for the friendly grassroots feel. We're a small team, but our festival pacts impact, showcasing film in one of the most deprived communities in England in a welcoming seaside location, and we've awarded as well as showcased some impactful stories along the way.
We value and proudly promote films from any filmmaker, creative, or producer to the general public, including receiving submissions from first-time filmmakers, female/non-binary filmmakers, neurodiverse filmmakers, stories from the LGBTQIA+ community, people with lived experience, as well as films focusing on social and environmental issues.
*Rules & eligibility on Section B at BIFA can be found by visiting https://www.bifa.film/about/rules-and-eligibility/
