Abbeygate Cinema announces ‘Made in East Anglia’ Film Festival

Abbeygate Cinema, in Bury St Edmunds, has announced the launch of “Made in East Anglia”, a film festival celebrating the landscapes, stories, and talent that make the region a vital part of British cinema.

Running from August 22 to September 10, the 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 a line-up of titles filmed across Suffolk, Norfolk, and beyond — all showcased at the cinema in Hatter Street.

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 as a backdrop.

·        “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.

Tim Curtis, the Suffolk-based independent filmmaker, will also be attending 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”.

There will also be some stately homes on screen with a strand of films featuring historic East Anglian locations including:

·        “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 will also take place including:

·        “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” with tickets £2.50 for all ages.

·        Pat Church, Abbeygate Cinema’s heritage manager, will be hosting two special talk and tour events, including a behind-the-scenes look at the historic projection room and a close-up of the original 35mm film projector and reels. Plus, additional events and surprise guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

Festival ticket prices are: adult £10, concession £8, young adult (15 to 24) £8, child £5, member – £5.

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