Bigger and better film experience as festival hits Lowestoft

Taking centre stage in Lowestoft once more, the popular Sunrise Film Festival returns for its third edition.

With the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft the main venue for Suffolk's largest short film festival, "an unforgettable cinematic experience" is being promised by organisers.

With the four-day film festival dedicated to celebrating the art of short filmmaking, as a BIFA qualifying event it offers significant opportunities for independent filmmakers to gain recognition and reach wider audiences.

Taking over town until August 4, this year’s festival promises an exciting line up of events - with screenings of 124 short films, outdoor cinema experiences and a variety of free, unticketed events.

A diverse selection of 124 short films will be showcased - ranging from drama and comedy to documentary and animation - as a series of events are held at the Marina Theatre, Sams Wellbeing Hub + Café in Bevan Street East and the Parcels Office Exhibition Space at Lowestoft Rail Station.

A test screening ahead of Sunrise Film Festival 2024. Picture: Sunrise Studios (Image: Sunrise Studios)

Throughout the festival free unticketed events will feature, including pop-up performances of Punch & Judy - outside the Marina Theatre on Friday, August 2 at 1pm and 3pm - along with arts and crafts, networking and an exhibition on the 13 cinemas that once stood proudly in Lowestoft across the decades will take place at the Parcels Office Exhibition Space.

Joshua Freemantle, co-founder of Sunrise Film Festival - part of Access Community Trust - said: "We are thrilled to bring an even bigger and better festival experience to Lowestoft this year.

"With our diverse film selection and exciting outdoor events, there's truly something for everyone.

"We’re super excited to welcome lots of film fans to come join us to watch something different together."

For a full list of events and the full programme, visit its website sunrisefilmfestival.co.uk/programme-2024