<img src='' title='Event Category: Cinema' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Event Category: Cinema

Celebrating bold stories, powerful performances, and the incredible artistry of women in film, Cinematic Queens is a dynamic strand at Sunrise Film Festival showcasing a collection of female-led drama short films. These gripping, thought-provoking and inspiring stories centre on women, whether behind the camera, in front of it, or both – bringing fresh perspectives and unforgettable narratives to the screen.

About the Films: From deeply personal journeys to larger-than-life dramas, Cinematic Queens highlights stories of resilience, ambition, love and self-discovery. Each film features complex female characters, compelling narratives and striking visuals that showcase the depth and power of women in cinema.

Films Screening in This Strand: Back of the Net, Delivery, Goodbye Train, Winter Song, SEVEN SISTERS, Under the Water.

Why Attend?

Empowering & Impactful – Experience stories that amplify female voices and perspectives.
Unforgettable Performances – Witness powerhouse acting in deeply moving roles.
Female Creators at the Forefront – A celebration of women shaping the future of film.

This Screening Includes a Filmmaker Q&A: Meet some of the creative minds behind the films in a post-screening discussion about their inspirations, challenges, and experiences in the industry.

Prepare for a night of chills, thrills and unexpected laughs! Are You Afraid? is a wickedly fun strand at Sunrise Film Festival, showcasing a collection of short films that blend horror, thriller and dark comedy in the most twisted and entertaining ways. From eerie encounters with a comedic twist to suspenseful stories that keep you on the edge of your seat.

About the Films: This carefully curated selection of short films walks the fine line between the terrifying and the absurd. Expect haunted happenings, eerie oddities, unexpected plot twists and plenty of dark humour along the way. Whether you’re a horror fanatic, a thrill seeker, or just love a good scary story with a comedic bite, these films are guaranteed to entertain.

Films Screening in This Strand: Bloodsport, Polymorphia, Strangers Like Us, Paranoia, The Comedown, Out of the Peat, House Hunters.

Why Attend?

Laugh & Scream – A unique mix of horror, thriller and dark comedy that keeps you guessing.
Twisted & Unexpected – Not your average horror screening, these films bring a fresh and clever spin to the genre.
Perfect Late-Night Watch – Gather your fellow horror lovers for a fun and spine-tingling festival experience.

Laughter is universal, and It’s Giving Comedy brings you a collection of feel-good and brilliantly crafted short films that prove just that! From sharp witted satire and laugh out loud absurdity to clever observational humour, this strand at Sunrise Film Festival celebrates comedy in all its forms. Whether you love quirky characters, unexpected twists, or pure chaos, these films are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

About the Films: Comedy is an art and these filmmakers have mastered it. It’s Giving Comedy showcases a variety of comedic storytelling, from awkward encounters and hilarious misunderstandings to satirical takes on everyday life. Expect a mix of slapstick, dark humour, feel-good moments and everything in between.

Films Screening in This Strand: Time Flies, Amigo, STI: Sexually Transmitted Introductions, OK/NOTOK, Nervous Ellie, Safe, The Morning After, Victory to the Mimers, AKIMBO, Whistle.

Why Attend?

Non-Stop Laughter – A handpicked selection of short films designed to entertain and uplift.
Diverse Comedy Styles – Whether you love quick wit, physical humour or unexpected punchlines, there’s something for everyone.
A Universal Language – Comedy connects us all and these films bring people together through shared laughter.

Mental health affects us all, yet stigma and misunderstanding still surround it. Break The Stigma is a powerful strand at Sunrise Film Festival, showcasing a collection of progressive short films that challenge misconceptions, open up conversations and shed light on the realities of mental health. Through raw, thought-provoking and hopeful storytelling, these films aim to inspire awareness, empathy and change.

About the Films: This thoughtfully curated selection of short films takes an honest and progressive look at mental health & lived experience, tackling themes such as anxiety, self-acceptance and the power of support systems. Each film brings a unique perspective, encouraging audiences to reflect, relate, and rethink the way we view wellbeing and trauma.

Films Screening in This Strand: Francie, Cry Like a Guy, Softy, The Tide Will Come, Perspective, Cuttings.

Why Attend?

Raise Awareness – These films tackle important topics with honesty and sensitivity.
Encourage Conversation – A space to discuss mental health and lived experiences openly and challenge stigma.
Emotionally Impactful – Thought-provoking and inspiring, these films leave a lasting impression.

This Screening Includes a Filmmaker Q&A: Meet the creative minds behind the films in a post-screening discussion about their inspirations, challenges, and experiences in the industry.