Founded in 2021, Sunrise Film Festival began with a simple belief that a coastal town like Lowestoft deserves access to inspiring cinema, creative opportunities, and a platform for new and emerging filmmakers. Over the last five years, Sunrise has grown from a grassroots idea into a nationally recognised festival, welcoming filmmakers from across the UK and internationally, and offering valuable opportunities to young people, volunteers, and underserved communities across East Anglia.
In February 2026, the regional charity under which Sunrise operated went into administration. To save the festival and safeguard its long-term future, the Sunrise team worked rapidly to establish a new, fully independent non-profit organisation, Sunrise Film Festival CIC.
While this marks an exciting new chapter for the festival, it also comes with significant financial pressure. Sunrise is now seeking community support to demonstrate the value of its work and to build the stability needed to grow as a newly incorporated organisation.
Sunrise has consistently demonstrated its value to both audiences and filmmakers.
According to audience surveys from the most recent edition:
- 84% of attendees reported a positive impact on their wellbeing
- 88% felt more connected to arts and culture in their local area
- 91% said they would recommend the festival to others
In addition, the upcoming 2026 festival (20–23 August) has already attracted over 1,100 film submissions from emerging filmmakers across the UK and the world, a reflection of Sunrise’s reputation as a trusted platform for talent as a regionally based film festival.
The festival is also supported by a dedicated volunteer community, with over 500 volunteer film reviewers and programmers who have contributed over the years, along with local stewards and event volunteers who help bring the festival to life.
As Sunrise Film Festival CIC moves forward, its vision remains clear:
- Expanding access to independent cinema in coastal and rural communities
- Championing diverse stories and underrepresented filmmakers
- Inspiring young people to explore careers in film and the creative industries
- Strengthening Lowestoft’s cultural identity and creative economy
- Ensuring the festival remains welcoming, accessible, and community‑centred
Quote from Joshua Freemantle, Chair of the Board, Sunrise Film Festival CIC
“Sunrise has always been about giving people in our coastal community, from all backgrounds, access to cinema and opportunities that are often out of reach. When the charity we were part of collapsed, we faced a choice: let the festival disappear, or fight to rebuild it. We chose to fight.
Becoming an independent CIC opens up an exciting future for Sunrise, but we are also rebuilding from the ground up. This campaign is about ensuring we can continue uplifting diverse filmmakers, supporting young people, and bringing powerful cinema experiences to Lowestoft and beyond.
We’re asking our community, partners, and supporters to help us rise again, so in 25 years’ time we’re still here championing new voices and celebrating the stories that bring people together.”
— Joshua Freemantle, Chair of the Board, Sunrise Film Festival CIC
Supporters can donate directly via the campaign page –https://sunrisefilmfestival.co.uk/supportsunrise
All contributions, large or small, whether financial or in the form of professional support, can help strengthen the festival’s future and demonstrate community backing to external funders.
