Made in East Anglia Film Festival

Independent cinema Abbeygate Cinema in Bury St Edmunds is proud to announce the launch of Made in East Anglia, a film festival celebrating the landscapes, stories, and talent that make our region a vital part of British cinema.

Running from 22 August to 10 September, this special programme shines a spotlight on films made in, inspired by, or celebrating the unique character of East Anglia.

From blockbuster favourites to local indie gems, Made in East Anglia brings together an exciting and diverse line-up of titles filmed across Suffolk, Norfolk, and beyond — all showcased in our beloved Abbeygate Cinema.

Festival Highlights Include:

·        The Dig – Set and shot across Suffolk with a live talk by dialect coach Charlie Haylock, offering behind-the-scenes insight.

·        Yesterday – With memorable scenes filmed in Lowestoft, this musical hit adds some East Anglian flair to Beatlemania.

·        The Personal History of David Copperfield – A fresh take on Dickens, featuring Bury St Edmunds.

·        Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa – Norfolk’s favourite son in action, with scenes filmed in Cromer, Norwich and Sheringham.

·        The Living Daylights – Bond fans can catch the Suffolk-filmed scenes at Elveden Hall.

·        The Rainbow Jacket – Classic British cinema set amidst the racecourses of Newmarket.

·        Chicken Town – With a special Q&A with director Richard Bracewell following the screening.

We are also delighted to welcome Tim Curtis, acclaimed Suffolk-based independent filmmaker, for a series of screenings and live appearances:

·        Life on the Deben + live audience Q&A

·        Fire Over Shingle Street + We Fought Them in Gunboats – with a live introduction

·        Stanley’s War

Stately Homes on Screen
Celebrate the region’s grand estates in our dedicated strand of films featuring historic East Anglian locations:

·        Private Peaceful – Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich

·        A Cock and Bull Story – With an introduction by Dr Tom McClelland (University of Cambridge), filmed in Norfolk’s finest halls

·        Dean Spanley – Filmed in Holkham Hall and Elveden Hall

Special Presentations:

·        The Bridge – Screened on 35mm film! A rare opportunity to see this beautiful Suffolk-set romance the way it was meant to be seen.

·        Family Matinées: Stardust and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – Tickets just £2.50 for all ages!

·        Pat Church, our Heritage Manager and beloved icon of Abbeygate Cinema, will be hosting two special talk and tour events, including a behind-the-scenes look at our historic projection room and a close-up of our original 35mm film projector and reels.

·        Plus, additional events and surprise guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

Festival Ticket Prices:
Adult – £10
Concession – £8
Young Adult (15–24) – £8
Child – £5
Member – £5

Sponsored by Butterworth & Son, Made in East Anglia is more than a festival — it's a love letter to our region’s deep cinematic roots and thriving creative spirit.

Join us from 22 August – 10 September at Abbeygate Cinema, Bury St Edmunds.

Visit abbeygatecinema.co.uk for full listings and booking.