ABOUT US
Founded in 2019, Suffolk Shorts was created to bring the very best British and international independent short films to audiences in Suffolk. We are passionate champions of filmmakers - particularly those working locally - and are committed to encouraging and supporting film production across the region.
Each year, we invite audiences to experience bold, original storytelling from around the world at our beautiful home, The Riverside Cinema. Alongside this global selection, we proudly showcase East Anglian short films in a dedicated annual screening, celebrating the talent and creativity of our local filmmaking community.
Suffolk Shorts is a Community Interest Company (CIC), established with the aim of giving back to the community by enriching the cultural life of the region, supporting emerging filmmakers, and working towards the creation of a film production fund to help future projects get off the ground.
OUR STORY
2019
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
OUR TEAM
Claire
Festival Director & Student Short Programme Lead
After years in film and TV production, Claire joined the team that launched FilmFour, where she discovered her love of short film through the Short Attention Span Cinema strand. She later produced The Shooting Gallery with Mark Kermode, profiling filmmakers and introducing new short films to late-night Channel 4 audiences. She’s dedicated to bringing international short film to Suffolk and encouraging investment in local young talent.
Rachel
Festival Director
Rachel spent ten years in London working for ITV, working her way through the ranks to become Producer/Director on a number of factual and entertainment programmes. Since moving back to Suffolk she has worked as a Suffolk-based location manager and location scout. She works part-time for Screen Suffolk, the county’s official film office, supporting and promoting filmmaking in the county. Her aim is to raise the profile of filmmaking in East Anglia, and to create a fund specifically for that purpose.
Neil
Festival Director
Neil is the Manager at The Riverside cinema in his hometown of Woodbridge, Suffolk. He is researcher for The Criterion Collection in New York having worked on every release since 2013. Neil is festival advisor and consultant to Il Cinema Ritrovato in Bologna, Karlovy Vary Film Festival in the Czech Republic and Cinema Reborn in Sydney, Australia. Neil is a former contributor to the BFI’s film magazine, Sight & Sound.
Clio is a Producer, currently at creative agency Mother. She is passionate about storytelling through short form visual content. Over 6 years she has continuously developed and refined her craft in advertising, working across an eclectic mix of clients from PlayStation to John Lewis. A stint at Somesuch also provided valuable exposure to the other side of the coin working on campaigns for the likes of Nike, Amazon and McDonalds.
Clio
Narrative Programme Lead 2025
Joshua
East Anglian Film
Programme lead 2025
Joshua Dickinson is an actor, writer and director. His independent film work includes Dry River (2021), Redcon-1 (2018) and The Mirror (2014). His first short film as a writer/director ‘Spiral’ is in development with Paradox House. As Head of Filmmaking for Young Film Academy in London he delivers courses on screenwriting and filmmaking, he also teaches screen acting at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Rob Bevan was a founding partner at online drama production company XPT, and director of BAFTA-winning Online Caroline, he also co-founded NoHo Digital. Rob began his interactive media career in the late 1980s creating educational CD-ROMs for Apple’s Renaissance project and The MultiMedia Corporation, the BBC’s former Interactive Television Unit. He is a member of the BAFTA British Short Film category longlisting group.
Rob
Unique Perspectives Programme Lead 2025
Brad
AV Technician and
Student Liaison
Brad has a solid foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking. His work as an AV Technician at University of Suffolk, and as a Course Facilitator with the BFI Academy, highlights his commitment to honing his craft and contributing to the wider film community. Brad’s is the crucial link between Suffolk Shorts and the student team working to help shape the festival.
Christine
Advisor - policy
Christine Howell is a specialist in policy and security, having been Senior Director of Policy and Security at Oracle for 16 years. Christine advised us on our application to be incorporated as a CIC and is working on general administration of the festival with a particular focus on equality and diversity.
Tim
Designer
Tim is a Senior Graphic Designer and Illustrator at the brand experience agency Production Bureau. With over a decade of experience, he specialises in shaping brands and bringing creative ideas to life. Tim has collaborated with a wide range of clients across industries, from publishing to pharmaceuticals.
Abs
Access and Engagement Consultant
Abs brings a unique and deeply informed perspective to Suffolk Shorts within the arts and screen industries, drawing on a lifetime of lived experience as an Autistic and Dyslexic professional. With over three decades of engagement in creative, care, and community sectors, her approach brings together practical, people-focused skills which are shaped by empathy, awareness, and a commitment to inclusivity.
Suffolk Shorts is a small festival with big ideas.Everyone involved is passionate about screening the best British and International Independent short films here in Suffolk.
OUR MISSION
2026
Suffolk Shorts connects the local community with the power of short film. In 2026, we will focus on growing and diversifying our audience by bringing high-quality short films to small cinemas and community spaces across South East Suffolk. Working in partnership with town and parish councils, local organisations, and businesses, we aim to reach underserved communities and establish Suffolk Shorts as a vibrant cultural hub for the region.
2027
In 2027, the focus will shift from access to impact. We will use stronger resources and trust to nurture talent, deepen community connections, and establish Suffolk Shorts as a leading short film festival with a distinct regional voice. With increased funding, established sponsors, and a growing audience in 2027, we will attract higher-profile filmmakers and guest speakers, positioning Suffolk Shorts as a permanent cultural fixture that supports creativity, inclusion, and filmmaking across the region.