<img src='' title='Archives: What's On Events' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Archives: What's On Events

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.

Love is unpredictable, messy, hilarious, and sometimes downright complicated. Romance Is A Funny Thing is a charming and heartfelt strand at Sunrise Film Festival, featuring a mix of short films that explore the highs, lows and unexpected twists of romance. From awkward first dates and grand romantic gestures to bittersweet goodbyes and love stories with a comedic twist, this collection showcases the many shades of love and relationships.

About the Films: This eclectic mix of short films takes a fresh look at romance, whether it’s sweet, funny, unconventional, or heartbreakingly real. Love rarely follows a script, and these stories capture the delightful chaos, humour and emotion that come with human connection. Expect to laugh, sigh and maybe even shed a tear as these films remind us why romance is such an enduring and entertaining part of life.

Films Screening in This Strand: HOT Neighbour, Blue Violet, EVOL, The First Moment We Met, A Taste of Me, Afters, Jeudi, Room 224.

Why Attend?

Relatable & Unpredictable – From heartwarming moments to funny encounters, these films reflect the realities of modern love.
A Fresh Take on Romance – Forget the clichés, this collection brings originality and authenticity to the screen.

Some connections last a lifetime, while others are fleeting, but all have the power to shape us. Connections is a heartfelt strand at Sunrise Film Festival, featuring a collection of short films that explore the many ways we connect with one another. From lifelong friendships and unexpected encounters to shared moments between strangers, these films celebrate the beauty, complexity and impact of human connection in all its forms.

About the Films: The Connections strand brings together diverse stories that highlight the relationships that define us. Whether it’s the rekindling of a past bond, the formation of an unlikely friendship, or a moment of unspoken understanding between strangers, these films remind us of the importance of human interaction, empathy and shared experiences.

Films Screening in This Strand: Yam & Egg, A Glass House, What We Wished We Could Be, The Colour of My Room.

Why Attend?

Celebrate Human Connection – Experience stories that reflect the joys, challenges and surprises of forming bonds.
Emotionally Engaging – These films capture the heartwarming, bittersweet and thought-provoking nature of connections.
Universal Themes – No matter our background, we all seek connection, and these films highlight that shared human experience.

Real stories. Raw emotions. Unfiltered truth. Stories Unfiltered is a compelling strand at the Sunrise Film Festival, showcasing a diverse collection of short documentaries that bring powerful, real-life narratives to the big screen. From deeply personal journeys to eye-opening social issues, these films offer an unfiltered look at the world around us, told through the lens of talented documentary filmmakers.

About the Films: This strand features a carefully curated selection of short documentaries that explore untold stories, human resilience, and pressing global and local issues. Whether it’s a portrait of an unsung hero, an exploration of a cultural movement, or an intimate glimpse into everyday life, Stories Unfiltered presents thought-provoking storytelling that resonates long after the credits roll.

Films Screening in This Strand: Making Gains, Irpinia, Ascend, Home & Away, Discovering Davina, No Way Back.

Why Attend?

Authentic Storytelling – Experience real-life stories brought to the screen with honesty and artistry.
A Window Into the World – Gain insight into different cultures, communities and personal struggles that shape our society.
Thought-Provoking & Eye-Opening – These documentaries challenge perspectives, ignite conversations and inspire change.