Submissions
We’re passionate about creating a platform for filmmakers and showcasing progressive and underrepresented stories within our BIFA qualifying.
Submissions for the 2025 edition close on 20 December 2024.
The only way to enter is exclusively via FilmFreeway
Categories
Main Categories:
• British Short Film* • Animated Film
• Documentary • Experimental Film • International Film
Our other Categories:
• UK Student Film • East Anglian Student Film • East Coast Short
• Micro Short Movie* • Break the stigma
We’re A BIFA Qualifying Film Festival:
A BIFA (British Independent Film Awards) Qualifying Festival For British Short Films (Section B*) At BIFA 2024 – Full Rules & Eligibility.
Find out more about each category
Any film produced and created in the UK that has a running time of 30 minutes or less.
British Short, Animation, Documentary, Experimental & International.
Any film produced and created in the UK that has a running time of 30 minutes or less.
*International entries can only submit into our International short film category.
A film made primarily by a student/s (director, writer, or producer) in the UK.
A film produced and created in East Anglia (Includes Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex & Cambridgeshire).
East of England students submit for free using our secret code EAONFILM
Open to any individuals. Any film/or documentary produced and made in Lowestoft or Great Yarmouth.
East coast filmmakers submit for free using our secret code EAONFILM
Open to anyone. A film of any genre which runs for 3 minutes or less (including any titles or credits) can be submitted to this category.
Open to students & anyone under 30 years old. A progressive film that focuses on the subject of mental health or homelessness, up to 5 minutes.
Need help, assistance or have any Questions?
If you need help with entering your short film into Sunrise Film Festival via Filmfreeway, have questions about submitting or need support with a waiver code (subject to eligibility) you can email us at info@sunrisefilmfestival.co.uk or DM us on Instagram.
For East Anglian Based Students, you can submit for free by using the waiver code EASTUDENT, you must have proof of registered student status attached to your filmfreeway submission.
For filmmakers based in Great Yarmouth or East Suffolk, you can submit for free by using the waiver code EAONFILM.
For local charities, non profits and community groups or orginsations, you submit for free to our Break The Stigma category for free by using waiver code BTSSFF24, please refer to our full submission criteria for submitting to the category on filmfreeway.
We are committed to supporting local filmmakers, and therefore, submission fees are waived for filmmakers (directors and producers) who are based in East Suffolk & Great Yarmouth.
Please email info@sunrisefilmfestival.co.uk with proof of address (such as a scan/pdf of a current utility bill) and the (FILM TITLE) – WAIVER as the email subject.
Directors and producers who have previously screened films at the Festival are also entitled to a waiver.
Please email info@sunrisefilmfestival.co.uk with the (PREVIOUS FILM TITLE) – WAIVER as the email subject.
We want to encourage submissions from directors from underrepresented backgrounds, and offer a 25% discount.
Please email info@sunrisefilmfestival.co.uk with the (FILM TITLE) – DISCOUNT as the email subject.
A waiver code is also available if you meet our eligibility criteria set inline with BFI guidelines, click here to view.
Fees cannot be waived under any other circumstances.
What past submitters have to say
Eliza Riley – “It was a pleasure to attend and enter Lowestoft Film Festival. Everystep of the way we felt supported by the team. The experience of seeing our film at the festival was so special, especially after watching everything else running there. We felt a real achievement in being showcased along side such great filmmaking talent. We will definitely be entering into the festival again. Thank you Lowestoft.”
Amelia Hunt – “Absolutely wonderful festival with lots of support for film makers. Thrilled to have something so wonderful in Lowestoft.”
Matthew Riley – “Was lucky enough to attend Lowestoft Film Festival in person. The organisers are brilliant, great communication, really welcoming, and passionate about bringing a varied and well curated selection of films to this corner of the country. Cool location and venues for the screenings and events, and just a great feel. A pleasure to be part of thanks for having us!”
Jess Clark – “This is a fresh young festival which celebrates grass roots independent filmmaking. It’s a festival run by filmmakers FOR filmmakers. Hats off to Josh & Patrick the Festival Directors for creating a forum for film where people can share their work and be inspired and make connections. It was a genuine privilege to share our film LOVE and we were honoured to be awarded BEST BRITISH SHORT FILM among the high standard of films being shown. Fully recommend submitting to this festival.”
Magdalena Herfurther – “Such an honor to have been selected for this wonderful festival. A big thanks to the amazing festival team – you’ve been so supportive every step of the way. The love for indie film and nurturing new talent is palpable.”