Always on
This project successfully funded on 28th May 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Support Sunrise To 'Rise' Again
Lowestoft, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Aim
Sunrise champions diverse stories and underrepresented filmmakers, expanding access to cinema and empowering new voices in film in Suffolk.
Our Story
Sunrise Film Festival began in 2021 with a simple belief that a coastal town like Lowestoft deserves access to inspiring cinema, creative opportunities, and a platform for new voices.
Founded by filmmaker and creative himself, Joshua Freemantle, Sunrise was created to champion diverse stories and support emerging filmmakers who might otherwise struggle to be seen. What began as a grassroots idea has grown into Suffolk’s largest film festival, celebrating diverse stories and underrepresented filmmakers.
Over the past five years, Sunrise has grown into a vibrant cultural event for the town and a welcoming space for filmmakers and audiences alike. We’ve screened over 600 independent films, welcomed more than 5,000 audience members across our festival and year-round activity, and built a loyal community that believes in the power of storytelling.
For our most recent edition, which is set to take place from 20-23 August 2026, we received over 1,100 film submissions from across the UK and internationally, demonstrating just how Sunrise has become a trusted platform for emerging talent.
At the heart of the festival is our commitment to accessibility and representation. We prioritise filmmakers who may not yet have access to larger platforms and work hard to ensure our festival remains welcoming, affordable and inclusive.
One of the most powerful parts of our programme is our Break the Stigma strand, which highlights lived experiences on screen and sparks important conversations within our community and our commitment to equal programming with our 50/50 gender split pledge across our festival programmes.
Real Impact in Our Community
Sunrise isn’t just about watching films. It’s about bringing people together, strengthening community pride, and making arts and culture more accessible.
Our audiences consistently tell us that Sunrise makes a difference in their lives.
- 84% of attendees reported a positive impact on their wellbeing
- 88% felt more connected to arts and culture in their local area
- 91% said they would recommend the festival to others
In 2025 alone, the festival welcomed over 3,000 admissions across four days of screenings, talks and events, with audiences travelling from across the UK and internationally to experience independent cinema in Lowestoft too.
Sunrise also supports the local economy. Visitors travel to the town for the festival, stay overnight, and explore the local area, helping to put Lowestoft on the map as a destination for independent film and a valued cultural event.
We are proud to be supported by the BFI Film Audience Network through Film Hub South East and to be recognised as a British Independent Film Awards qualifying festival for British short films, giving filmmakers real industry recognition when they screen with us.
A New Beginning
Many of you in our local community may have seen the sudden and devastating news that Access Community Trust entered administration on 25 February.
Sunrise Film Festival was originally established while Joshua worked at the charity, and over the past few years.
While this news was unexpected, it has created an exciting moment for the festival to evolve and secure its future.
In February 2026, Sunrise became an independent Community Interest Company, meaning the festival is now run by its own board and dedicated team, committed to protecting and growing Sunrise for years to come.
Our board of directors includes:
- Joshua Freemantle – Chair
- Lizzie Banks – Secretary
- Steve Woodcock – Treasurer
This new chapter gives us the opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable future for the festival. But we need the support of our wonderful, supportive community to make that happen.
The People Behind Sunrise
Sunrise has always been powered by incredible people with a passion for inclusive cinema and independent film.
The festival is supported by an incredible volunteer network who help review films, programme events and welcome audiences every year. Over the years, we have worked with more than 500 volunteer film reviewers and programmers, alongside festival stewards and community volunteers who help bring the event to life.
We are also incredibly grateful to the dedicated team members who help shape the festival:
- Joshua Freemantle – Founder, who has creatively led the festival since its inception over the past five years
- Chloe Beale – Lead Programmer, who has played a vital role in shaping the programme over the past two years
- Becca Medley – Festival Producer, who has supported the delivery of the festival and its events over the past three years
Together with our volunteers and supporters like you, they form the beating heart of Sunrise.
Our Vision
We believe everyone should have the chance to experience powerful cinema and creative opportunities, no matter their background or where they live.
Lowestoft is a town full of creativity and untold stories, yet opportunities to access film and creative industries can often still feel limited. Sunrise exists to change that.
Our vision is to continue building a festival that:
- Expands access to independent cinema in coastal communities
- Champions diverse stories and underrepresented filmmakers
- Inspires young people to explore careers in film and the creative industries
- Brings communities together through shared affordable cultural experiences
- Helps put Lowestoft on the map as a destination for independent film
We want Sunrise to remain a festival our town can be proud of, and one where everyone feels welcome.
How Your Support Will Help
Through our Support Sunrise To ‘Rise’ Again Crowdfunder campaign, we are asking for your help to secure the next chapter of the festival, for at least the next 25 years.
The funds raised will help us:
- Deliver the next edition of Sunrise Film Festival in Lowestoft
- Keep tickets affordable and accessible
- Support filmmaker Q&As, talks and workshops
- Expand our Break the Stigma programme
- Create opportunities for young people and local creatives
- Build a sustainable future for Sunrise as an independent organisation
Every contribution helps ensure that Sunrise can continue to bring powerful stories and creative opportunities to our town.
How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways you can support Sunrise To ‘Rise’ Again.
You can:
- Purchase an Early Bird Festival Pass - Click Here To Purchase A Festival Pass
- Make a regular donation (anonymous if you prefer)
- Choose one of our reward donations
- Sponsor the festival through your business - View Our Full Advertising & Sponsorship Deck Here
- Offer professional skills or volunteering, from accounting to admin support
If you're interested in supporting us in other ways, you can reach out to us on [email protected]
Every act of support helps Sunrise continue its mission.
Why It Matters
Sunrise is more than a film festival. It's a supportive community.
It’s a place where filmmakers find their first audiences, where communities have come together, and where powerful stories spark connection and understanding in a safe and welcoming space.
And we believe Lowestoft deserves a festival like Sunrise.
With your support, Sunrise can continue to grow, inspire and bring incredible cinema to our town for many years to come.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made