Sunrise Film Festival 2026

Suffolk's biggest independent film festival returns to Lowestoft for its fifth edition, running from 20 to 23 August 2026 across the Marina Theatre and other town-centre venues. Billing itself as the UK's largest celebration of diverse stories and underrepresented filmmakers, Sunrise Film Festival has championed grassroots cinema on the East Anglian coast since 2021.

What to expect

• An ambitious 2026 programme spanning 263 films from 34 countries, covering features, documentaries and short films
• A headline commitment to inclusive storytelling, with 68% of the lineup F-Rated (films directed by women or with significant female creative roles)
• Industry talks and Q&As alongside the screenings, offering a chance to connect with fellow filmmakers and cinephiles
• Awards recognition that counts: Sunrise is both a BIFA and Grierson qualifying festival, so selected films become eligible for those prestigious prizes

Good to know

• Festival passes are available to book via the official site at sunrisefilmfestival.co.uk, where the full programme can also be browsed
• The Marina Theatre on Marine Parade is the festival's anchor venue, a short walk from Lowestoft seafront and well served by local buses
• The festival prides itself on accessibility and a friendly, community-minded atmosphere, making it a welcoming event for first-time festival-goers as much as seasoned film lovers