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.