Sunrise Film Festival 2026

The much-loved Sunrise Film Festival returns this Summer to the Marina Theatre from 20-23 August for its 5th celebratory edition.

 

Sunrise is one of the UK’s fastest-growing British Independent Film Awards-qualifying film festivals, celebrating undiscovered stories and filmmakers from the UK and internationally on the big screen.

 

During the festival, you’ll be able to experience some of the best short films from our region, across the UK, and internationally, as well as specially curated screenings, VR experiences, and workshops celebrating the power of storytelling and the visual arts, on and off screen.

 

Something for everyone will be on offer, from drama, comedy, documentaries, animation, and experimental films to genre-bending narratives, premieres, creative workshops, and family screenings, plus the return of our much-loved Outdoor Cinema, powered by Silent Disco Headphones.

 

Whether you’re a big film lover, an aspiring filmmaker, or just love something different, Sunrise Film Festival offers four days of unforgettable film and exciting visual arts activities, with something for all your friends and family, of all ages.

James Acaster: Cinemagoers Welcome! (15)

Comedian James Acaster unleashes his infectious energy as he explores his love/hate relationship with stand-up – while welcoming a heckle or two.

Filmed in Truro, Dublin and Northampton, we see how this experiment panned out in front of three very different audiences.

Running time: 120 minutes (no interval)

Is This Thing On? (15)

121 mins | dir: Bradley Cooper | Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day

In this comedy drama, a couple facing divorce pursue new careers, one in stand-up comedy, all while dealing with co-parenting and confronting the breakdown of their relationship.

Eric & Ern

The Production Garden in association with Cube Room Productions presents an evening of ERIC & ERN with Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens. From the Olivier nominated duo behind the hugely celebrated critically acclaimed West End hit ERIC & LITTLE ERN.

This is a show for all the family from 8 to 80!

A brilliant homage crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches, that hits all the right notes! Coming to Marina Theatre, celebrating the Centenary year of the nations favourite comedy legends Morecambe & Wise!

From Greig’s Piano concerto to Mr Memory, “Arsenal!” It’s a show full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches.

This wonderful show evokes memories of times when whole families would huddle around the telly to watch those fantastic Christmas specials.

You’ll feel you’ve experienced the real thing and been taken back to a world of sunshine and laughter.

As seen on The One show BBC1 and The Alan Titchmarsh Show ITV.

Age guidance: 8+
Running time: 1 hour and 50 minutes (including a 20 minute interval)