The Network
Winners, new submissions, and festival selector opportunities
One Week Later — And Still Smiling
It’s hard to believe it’s already been a week since the first-ever Made in Sussex Film Festival wrapped up at Depot in Lewes. From Friday to Sunday, the festival brought together great screenings, buzzing filmmaker Q&As, and a wave of community spirit that exceeded all expectations.
We’re thrilled to celebrate our 2025 award winners:
🏆 Best Director – Andrew McGee, First Sight
Backed by a £10,000 prize from Clear Futures, Andrew’s short film was praised for its masterful storytelling and collaborative vision.
“This award will be genuinely life-changing on a career level,” he said.
🎞️ Best Narrative Feature – Jamie Patterson, The Captain
Shot in the heart of Brighton, Jamie’s film captured local life with warmth and honesty.
📽️ Best Documentary Feature – Rebecca Marshall, The Forest in Me
A poetic, experimental work that struck an emotional chord with audiences.
“The feedback was unforgettable — a dream start for the film’s next chapter.”
🎬 Best Short Film – Joe Snelling, The Waiter, the Scientist and Jenny
Filmed in Hastings, Joe’s personal documentary opened up rich conversations about mental health and the filmmaker-subject relationship.
🌿 Creativity Award – Seb Cox, The Dog in the Long Grass
A moving tribute to Sussex folklore and landscape, filmed across the county.
What a way to start
The weekend proved that Sussex stories matter — and there’s an audience hungry to see them. With genuine prizes, incredible talent, and a community-first spirit, Made in Sussex is already making its mark.
Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen. We can’t wait to see what comes next.
What comes next…
Submissions open next Friday!
We’re already looking ahead to next year. If you’ve got a story rooted in Sussex — or made by Sussex-based talent — we want to see it. Submissions for the 2026 edition of Made in Sussex officially open next Friday via FilmFreeway.
🎥 Submit your film here: filmfreeway.com/MadeinSussex
Let’s keep telling bold, local stories — and make next year even bigger.
📣 Join the Made in Sussex Programming Team
Help shape next year’s festival as a volunteer selector.
After an incredible debut, Made in Sussex Film Festival is growing — and we’re now inviting expressions of interest to join our volunteer Programming Team for the 2026 edition.
This is your chance to help curate one of the South East’s most exciting new cultural events.
As a selector, you’ll be part of the core team shaping the programme:
🔸 Watching submissions
🔸 Spotting standout work
🔸 Helping define the creative direction of the 2026 festival
We’re looking for people who love film and care about stories made in and around Sussex. No formal experience is required — just a commitment to fairness, creativity, and regional storytelling. Whether you’re a filmmaker, student, or devoted cinephile, we want to hear from you.
To apply:
Send a short paragraph about yourself and why you’d like to join to applications@filmsussex.org by 30th June 2025.
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