🎬 Made in Sussex Film Festival – Full Line-Up Announced!
25–27 April 2025 | Depot Cinema, Lewes
The very first Made in Sussex Film Festival is set to light up the screen this spring with a powerful line-up of films that put Sussex stories front and centre.
From urgent documentaries to poetic dramas, psychological thrillers to unexpected friendships, the programme showcases the richness of local storytelling in all its forms. Running across three days at the much-loved Depot Cinema in Lewes, it’s a celebration of filmmaking in, around, and inspired by the region.
🌟 Feature Films
This year’s feature line-up includes six standout titles. Each film will be accompanied by a selected short.
🎥 Finally Nearly Getting There
Friday 25 April – 6:00pm
+ Short: The Dog in the Long Grass
Two strangers share a long car journey to a wedding and find themselves connecting in ways they never expected. A warm and funny reflection on timing, tenderness, and the choice to change.
🎥 The Forest in Me
Saturday 26 April – 1:45pm
+ Short: Travels at Home
A quietly powerful interweaving of three stories: a hermit in Siberia, a Mars simulation crew, and a child discovering the world. A poetic letter to the future built from Hastings-based family archives.
🎥 Leave No Trace Brighton
Saturday 26 April – 4:30pm
+ Short: The Waiter, the Scientist and Jenny
This dynamic documentary charts the impact of a beach-cleaning group in Brighton. It’s bold, funny, and vital—spotlighting local activism with global significance.
🎥 Splinter
Saturday 26 April – 8:15pm
+ Short: Wired
Following a devastating loss, a man becomes a recluse haunted by memories—and possibly something far worse. A chilling, intimate portrait of grief and fear.
🎥 The Captain
Sunday 27 April – 3:45pm
A retired sea captain under house arrest after a bizarre crime forms an unlikely friendship with his Greek caregiver. A heartfelt story of late-life connection and change.
🎥 Fright
Sunday 27 April – 6:00pm
Agony, agoraphobia, and gothic terror. A young woman is haunted by visions of a black hand in a crumbling mansion. An atmospheric homage to 1950s horror cinema.
🎞️ Short Film Showcase
Sunday 27 April – 11:45am
A bold and diverse programme of short films capturing life across Sussex with style, humour, and emotional punch.
First Sight
Just Plain Ben
Market Values, Women’s Voices
Messiah
Mirror Mirror
Nocturnal
Shouting at the Sea
🏆 Made in Sussex Awards
Sunday 27 April – 2:25pm
This year’s Best Director will receive a £10,000 grant, sponsored by Clear Futures, to fund their next Sussex-based film. In addition, winners of Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, and Best Short Film will receive Apple MacBook Pros, thanks in part to our partners at Community Energy Pathways.
“We are delighted to be sponsoring Made in Sussex, supporting local filmmakers as they develop their skills while showcasing the wonderful stories, people, and landscapes this area offers.”
— Charlotte Cordingley, CEO, Clear Futures“Thanks to the incredible support of Clear Futures, this groundbreaking grant provides one talented filmmaker with the resources needed to execute their creative vision.”
— Jen Handorf, Director, Film Sussex“Capturing local stories on film is a fantastic way of showcasing the work of pioneering communities in their quest to create a greener planet.”
— Ollie Pendered, CEO, Community Energy Pathways
🎟️ Tickets Now Available
View the full schedule and grab your tickets at: 👉 https://madeinsussex.org
Join us for a weekend of bold stories, brilliant filmmakers, and the vibrant creative spirit of Sussex.
Best wishes,
The Film Sussex Team