Memento Mori (15)

Life is fleeting, and Memento Mori serves as a cinematic reflection of its beauty, fragility and inevitable end. This thought-provoking strand at Sunrise Film Festival presents a collection of short films that explore the profound themes of life, death and everything in between. From stories of loss and grief to celebrations of existence and legacy, these films remind us to embrace the present and contemplate the mysteries of what comes next.

About the Films: Memento Mori brings together filmmakers who navigate the delicate balance between life and death with emotional depth, visual poetry and powerful storytelling. Expect intimate dramas, existential musings and hauntingly beautiful narratives that stay with you long after the screen fades to black.

Films Screening in This Strand: Happy Death Day, Waiting Room, And That’s for This Christmas, The Doll’s House, Push, Wool Coat, The Flight of Ulick Underhill.

Why Attend?

Deeply Reflective Themes – A cinematic exploration of mortality, legacy and the human experience.
Emotionally Powerful Stories – Films that evoke contemplation and connection.
Hauntingly Beautiful Cinema – Stunning visuals and storytelling that embrace both light and darkness.

Sharing Our Stories (15)

Stories have the power to connect us, inspire us and remind us of our shared humanity. Sharing Our Stories is a heartfelt strand at Sunrise Film Festival showcasing a diverse collection of short films that celebrate personal, cultural and universal narratives. These films offer a window into different lives, experiences and perspectives, told with honesty, creativity and emotion.

About the Films: Each film in Sharing Our Stories brings a unique voice to the screen, whether through intimate character studies, powerful life experiences, or imaginative storytelling. These films explore themes of identity, community, resilience and the human experience, showcasing the art of storytelling in its purest form.

Films Screening in This Strand: Time Between Us, Happy Snaps, PASSAGE, A Day In June, Gabriela, 261, Elsa, Ain’t Nuff Time.

Why Attend?

Authentic Narratives – Experience real and relatable stories from a variety of perspectives.
Diverse Voices – A celebration of different cultures, experiences and identities through film.
Thought-Provoking Themes – Films that spark conversation and reflection about the world around us.

A Walk on The Wildside (12)

Step into the beauty, power and fragility of the natural world with A Walk on the Wildside, a thought-provoking strand at the Sunrise Film Festival dedicated to environmental storytelling. This collection of short films explores our relationship with nature, the impact of climate change and the urgent need for conservation.

About the Films: From breathtaking cinematography to environmental narratives, A Walk on the Wildside presents stories that inspire, challenge and ignite action. Whether showcasing the wonders of untouched landscapes or the resilience of ecosystems, these films serve as a reminder of our responsibility to the earth, but also to those who work in the natural world.

Films Screening in This Strand: REQUIEM, Three Hares, How the world is going to end, Our Grandparents Hunted Here, 59 degrees, She who visions, She Fishes, Decksdark.

Why Attend?

Environmental Awareness – Films that highlight the beauty of nature and the need to protect it.
Stunning Visuals – A showcase of breathtaking cinematography capturing the essence of the wild.
Inspiring & Educational – Thought-provoking narratives that spark important conversations.

Out & Proud (15)

Bold, heartfelt and unapologetically authentic, Out & Proud is a vibrant strand at Sunrise Film Festival showcasing a powerful collection of LGBTQ+ short films. These films celebrate identity, love, resilience and the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, offering a mix of moving dramas, joyful romances and compelling personal narratives.

About the Films: Curated from talented filmmakers around the world, Out & Proud presents stories that highlight the beauty and complexity of queer experiences. From tales of self-discovery and love to explorations of identity and belonging, this collection is a celebration of LGBTQ+ voices in cinema.

Films Screening in This Strand: GIRLY, Christmas 1978, Until Today, Some Kind of Paradise, Bi-Nocular Panic, Lavender Whispers, Bear & Clyde, FIZZING.

Why Attend?

Authentic Representation – Stories that reflect real LGBTQ+ experiences, struggles and triumphs.
Diverse & Impactful Narratives – A blend of emotional, uplifting and thought-provoking films.
A Platform for Queer Filmmakers – Showcasing emerging and established LGBTQ+ storytellers.

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.