Submit into our 5th celebratory edition. The next BIFA Qualifying Sunrise Film Festival takes place from 20 to 23 August 2026 in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
Our 5th edition see’s us accepting submissions for new categories, from Music Videos to Virtual Reality (VR) projects.
Our last submissions for 2026 close, December 19 2025.
Any film produced and created in the UK or Internationally.
Short Film submissions maximum running time is 30 minutes or less.
Our longer form film submissions maximum running time is 120 minutes (2 hours) or less.
*International entries can only submit where it clearly states that international submissions are accepted.
A film made primarily by a student or group of students (director, writer, or producer) from anywhere in the UK including Northern Ireland.
Submit for free.
Open to any individuals for any film/or documentary produced and made in Suffolk or Norfolk.
Submit for free.
A film of any genre which runs for 3 minutes or less (including any titles or credits) can be submitted to this category.
*International entries can only submit where it clearly states that international submissions are accepted.
Our Break the Stigma category is specifically for progressive films that focus on the subject of mental health, lived experience or homelessness.
Maximum running time for this category is 30 minutes.
Music videos of up to 10 minutes or less made in the UK or Internationally will be accepted.
*International entries can only submit where it clearly states that international submissions are accepted.
Virtual Reality works/experiences of any genre and type up to a maximum running time of 60 mins are accepted.
We can only accept experiences that are compatible with being played on Meta Quest 3 Headsets.
At our discretion we may also be able to play PCVR experiences through the headset.
If you have any enquiries in relation to technical playback please email us at info@sunrisefilmfestival.co.uk.
*International entries can only submit where it clearly states that international submissions are accepted.
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 @sunrisefilmfest.
For East Anglian Based Students across Norfolk/Suffolk and filmmakers of any age based in East Anglia, you can submit for free.
For local charities, non profits and community groups or independent filmmakers, you can submit for free to our Break The Stigma category for free by using waiver code BTSSFF25, please refer to our full submission criteria for submitting to the category on filmfreeway.
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.
Fees cannot be waived under any other circumstances.
Sarah Beeby, Gardening
“This is a really lovely festival and definitely not one to miss. They paid a lot of attention to detail and made you feel very special as a film maker. Highly recommend.”
Louisa Connolly-Burnham, Sister Wives
“The team were lovely and made the whole process really easy and stress-free. Their communication was great, and it was clear they’re passionate about supporting filmmakers. You could tell the organisers put a lot of thought into curating the lineup. They really cares about filmmakers, and I highly recommend it. Can’t wait to submit again! Louisa Connolly-Burnham x”
Wale Adetula, Yam and Egg
“Absolutely enjoyed attending Sunrise. My first time in Lowestoft and it was brilliant. The team were warm and welcoming, I saw some really inspiring films. I will be going back :)”
Madeleine Wynn, Merman
“This was an amazingly well organised, fun film festival. The Sunrise Team take care of everyone really well. They are supportive and kind and communications are excellent. It is also the best value for money of any festival so far!”
