Sunrise Industry Summit

The Sunrise Industry Summit is a dedicated event at the 2025 Sunrise Film Festival, designed to inspire, educate, and support young people in pursuing careers in the film industry and cinema exhibition. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, an aspiring festival curator, or passionate about community cinema, this summit will provide invaluable insights into making it in the industry—especially in our region.

This two-part event features expert panels, exclusive screenings, and open discussions with industry professionals who have carved their paths in filmmaking, festival programming, and cinema exhibition.

SESSION 1 (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

Presented by Young Film Network South East

Introduction: A look at the BFI Film Academy & Young Film Network South East, offering young creatives opportunities to break into the industry.

Short Film Screenings:
Showcasing three 5-minute short films supported by Young Film Network South East, through the Short Cut Film Fund.

Special Screenings by Guest Speakers:
Short films screened and created by our guest speakers Sarah Leigh and Makenna Guyler, will lead into a 45-minute panel talk on accessibility behind the scenes in the Industry.

Panel Discussion – ‘Accessibility Behind the Scenes’

Speakers: Sarah Leigh & Makenna Guyler

Chaired by: Gina Stock, local young creative and Head of Events at Sunrise Film Festival

A deep dive into inclusivity in film production, career accessibility, and breaking barriers behind the scenes. How do we create an industry that works for everyone?

Audience Q&A
Your chance to ask the speakers about their experiences and advice for entering the industry.

SESSION 2 (1:15 PM – 2:15 PM)

Industry Career Insights: Film Festivals, Community Cinema & Production

Ending on a Film Screening: Dial, directed by Josh Trett

A panel discussion exploring different career paths, through setting up a successful production company in the region, creating short films and independent productions, and working on film festivals, with all panellists having a local connection to East Anglia.

Panelists:
Josh Trett – Filmmaker & Managing Director of Trett Films, Director of Dial
Lizzie Banks – Film Festival Creative Director & Accessibility Advocate
Mark Finbow – Film Production & Storytelling
Matilda Green – Film Industry & Audience Engagement

Chaired by: Joshua Freemantle, Leading Founder of Sunrise Film Festival & manager of social enterprise Sunrise Studios

Each panellist will introduce their career journey, followed by an open discussion covering key topics such as:

• How to break into the industry across our wider South East region, creating independent productions & working on film festivals.
• Navigating industry challenges & opportunities in East Anglia.
• The power of community cinema and grassroots film initiatives.

Audience Q&A
A chance to ask your burning questions and connect with professionals in the field.

Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for:
Aspiring filmmakers, directors, producers, and screenwriters
Anyone interested in film festivals, independent films, and cinema exhibition
Students and young creatives looking to break into the industry
Film lovers who want to understand more about how the industry works behind the scenes

Join Us!

The Sunrise Industry Summit is an unmissable event for young creatives looking to forge their own path in the industry. Gain first-hand insights from professionals, discover different career opportunities, and be part of the next generation of storytellers and industry changemakers.

The Sunrise Industry Summit has been delivered in partnership with Young Film Network South East, and supported by National Lottery funding.