BFI Film Academy: Upcoming Events

Our BFI Film Academy events, supported by the National Lottery, provide the opportunity for young film lovers to meet other creatives and film organisations in the region.

These consist of workshops, talent mixers and showcase events, where young film enthusiasts will have the opportunity to watch other people’s films, promote their own creative work, and learn more about the business of film. If you are aged 16-25 and looking to meet like-minded young people to collaborate with, BFI Film Academy is the place for you.

Upcoming events will be listed below. Subscribe to our newsletter to find out when new events are live first.

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A promotional graphic for a BFI FILM ACADEMY SCENE event. The text reads " Sunrise Film Festival Industry Summit" followed by logos for Young Film Network and Sunrise Film Festival. The right half of othe graphic is a photograph from the previous edition of the festival, showing audience members sitting in a darkened auditorium with the light of the cinema screen illuminating their faces.
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Thursday 22 May 11:00 AM​, Marina Theatre, Lowestoft

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. 

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. Young Film Network South East is hosting the first panel of the day, and you can read more about the second half by clicking through the booking link to Sunrise’s website for an event description.

Note: This event will be BSL Interpreted.

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Young Film Network South East’s opportunities for young creatives 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 & Makenna Guyler, will lead into a 45-minute panel talk on accessibility behind the scenes in the Industry.

Panel Discussion – ‘Accessibility Behind the Scenes’: 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?

  • Speakers: Sarah Leigh & Makenna Guyler
  • Chaired by: Gina Stock, local young creative and Head of Events at Sunrise Film Festival
  • Audience Q&A: Your chance to ask the speakers about their experiences and advice for entering the industry.

WHO CAN 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

TICKETS:
General Admission: £6  |  25 & Under: £3  |  Unwaged: £3

Sunrise Film Festival is proud to be an inclusive and accessible film festival. If ticketing is a barrier to you, please email them at [email protected] and they will support without judgement or query to ensure you can attend the Sunrise Industry Summit. Additionally, if the cost of travel or accommodation is too much for you,  please look on our bursaries page to find out how we can provide you with financial assistance.

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