EXPERIENCE | CONNECT
Sussex International Film Festival (SIFF) is a three-day film festival in Sussex, held in November, hosted by the iconic Hailsham Pavilion Theatre & Cinema, a Grade II listed Art Deco cinema.
Each day of the festival has its own theme. Day One is a selected showcase of films made in Sussex. Day Two is a curated showcase of both mainstream and independent features and shorts, made by Sussex filmmakers. The festival ends on Day Three with the final round of an international shorts competition, judged by our panel and headed by Oscar winning film editor
Chris Dickens. (Slumdog Millionaire, Mary, Queen of Scots, Les Miserables, Hot Fuzz). Entries can come from anywhere in the world, and there are two categories this year -
Best Short Film and Best Student Film.
SIFF is a celebration of Sussex's film culture and talent, a nurturing of future talent, and a great opportunity for filmmakers to connect and showcase their work.
We welcome everyone to join us and be a part of this exciting event.
November 3rd - 5th 2023
Sussex is fast becoming an amazingly popular place for locations for film and television productions and the creative industries here are growing rapidly. Production companies, television and film service companies are connecting with other industries to create word class entertainment.
Our film making community
The UK creative industries are booming, and we want to do as much as we can to help rising talent from Sussex connect with creative and industrial professionals around the globe, to maximise their chances of success, increase their reach and help Sussex retain its position as a leading sector in the creative industries economy.
SIFF videos
Festival Programme
GET YOUR TICKETS
Our three-day event is designed to kick start the conversation around how film can help individuals and businesses from Sussex, in any sector, start, engage, grow and expand by connecting to the creative and commercial film industry scene.
Come and celebrate the local and global talents in film with us!
DAY 1
November 3rd 2023
FILMS MADE IN SUSSEX
DAY 2
November 4th 2023
FILMS MADE BY SUSSEX FILM MAKERS
Day 3
November 5th 2023
SUSSEX SHORT FIlM COMPETITION 2023
Events
Our three-day programme of events for 2023, with links to the cinema to book tickets.
Friday 3rd November
9.30-12.10 with a Q&A with Steve Hook, Hailsham farmer, the subject of the documentary.
Friday 3rd November
19.00-21.40 - Written and directed by our patron William Nicholson, and set in Sussex.
Saturday 4th November
12.00-14.00 with Director & Cast Q&A. Sussex resident Howard Ford used many locations around Sussex for this film.
Saturday 4th November
19.00-22.00 Sussex-born Director Ringan Ledwidge: In Memorium followed by Gone (R)
Sunday 5th November
14.00-15.00 Semi-Finalist Showcase Part 1
15.30-16.30 Semi-Finalist
Showcase Part 2
Friday 3rd November
13.00-15.05 A second-world war spy movie, set in Bexhill. Written by Sussex resident Eddie/Suzy Izzard, and starring Sussex resident Judi Dench.
Saturday 4th November
10.30-11.45 - A showcase of student work from Sussex's budding young filmmakers.
Saturday 4th November
15.30-18.00 Our competition judge and Hailsham ex-resident Chris Dickens edited this film. Chris will be attending a Q&A after the film!
Sunday 5th November
11.00-12.00 Student Finalist Showcase from this year's competition entries.
Sunday 5th November
17.00-18.00 Finalists Part 1
20.00-21.00 Finalists Part 2
21.15-21.45 Awards Ceremony 21.45 Drinks
SPOTLIGHT ON SUSSEX
Those native to Sussex will be well aware of Hailsham's charms and attractions. For film makers coming from afar to attend the ceremony, the traditional market town of Hailsham will welcome you with open arms and warm hearts. There are plenty of brilliant places to eat and drink, whether you're looking for a quick bite or something more substantial.
Keep checking back here, as we will post nearer the time to give visitors a guide of how to get here, the best places to eat, drink and lay down your hat during your stay, whether it's for the day or the weekend.
Location, Location, Location
The Hailsham Pavilion Theatre is a Grade II listed, independent cinema and theatre. The interior is fully restored to feature beautiful décor associated with the ‘Golden Age’ of cinema and theatre entertainment. The cinema has 204 seats, and screens a full range of contemporary and classic films, including world class event cinema screenings from the National Theatre, The Royal Opera House and other iconic venues. It also plays host to a number of live entertainment acts, professional and amateur theatre groups and visiting societies.
Hailsham is an ancient market town to the north of Eastbourne, east of Lewes, and west of Hastings, with a long history of rope making and market trading. Below, we've placed links to local services you might find useful during your visit. As we are an independent facility, we like to recommend other independent businesses too!
