Sunrise Film Festival Launches ‘Rise Again’ Crowdfunder Campaign

Founded back in 2021. Suffolk’s largest film festival Sunrise Film Festival has been a consistent champion of diverse and underrepresented voices in cinema, starting out with the firm belief that a coastal town like Lowestoft deserves access to inspired filmmaking and a strong platform for new and emerging talent. Over its five-year run, Sunrise has blossomed into a nationally recognised festival, welcoming people across the industry both nationally and internationally, whilst offering valuable opportunities to young people, volunteers and communities throughout East Anglia.

Now following the news back in February 2026, that the regional charity under which Sunrise operated sadly went into administration. The team have worked tirelessly to establish the new and fully independent non profit organisation Sunrise Film Festival CIC, in a bid to safeguard the festival’s long-term future. With this inevitably comes a wealth of financial pressure, which is why we at Movie Marker are highlighting their ‘RISE AGAIN’ Crowdfunder campaign, as they seek to stabilise the organisation through great community support.

Why should you back the festival, we hear you cry? Well its proven impact speaks for itself. Here’s some stats from recent audience surveys…

• 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 addition, the upcoming 2026 festival (20–23 August) has already attracted over 1,100 film submissions from emerging filmmakers across the UK and the world, a reflection of Sunrise’s reputation as a trusted platform for talent as a regionally based film festival.The festival is also supported by a dedicated volunteer community, with over 500 volunteer film reviewers and programmers who have contributed over the years, along with local stewards and event volunteers who help bring the festival to life.

Complimenting the great response already for their 2026 edition. Here’s the Sunrise Film Festival team’s five-point plan going forward…

• Expanding access to independent cinema in coastal and rural communities
• Championing diverse stories and underrepresented filmmakers
• Inspiring young people to explore careers in film and the creative industries
• Strengthening Lowestoft’s cultural identity and creative economy
• Ensuring the festival remains welcoming, accessible, and community-centred

Sunrise Film Festival’s Chair Of The Board Joshua Freemantle adds:

“Sunrise has always been about giving people in our coastal community, from all backgrounds, access to cinema and opportunities that are often out of reach. When the charity we were part of collapsed, we faced a choice: let the festival disappear, or fight to rebuild it. We chose to fight.

Becoming an independent CIC opens up an exciting future for Sunrise, but we are also rebuilding from the ground up. This campaign is about ensuring we can continue uplifting diverse filmmakers, supporting young people, and bringing powerful cinema experiences to Lowestoft and beyond.

We’re asking our community, partners, and supporters to help us rise again, so in 25 years’ time we’re still here championing new voices and celebrating the stories that bring people together.”

You can support/donate to the festival’s Crowdfunder campaign by hitting the link HERE