VENUE

This theatre is one of the best in the region and a real favourite locally, especially with the Suffolk Shorts team! The Riverside is not just a venue for us, it’s a true partnership. Neil and his team have welcomed us in and really support our events. In 2021 Neil programmed our Narrative selection and in 2023 he joined Rachel and Claire as a Festival Director, helping to shape the festival’s future.

Films have been screened on the site of The Riverside for longer than a century. Before a purpose built cinema was constructed in 1915, travelling tent shows used to arrive in Woodbridge, and part of the attractions they offered alongside circus, music hall and cabaret acts were movie picture shows, or ‘flickers’ as they were called.

It was called The Electric Palace before being renamed The Woodbridge Cinema sometime after the end of the First World War. It was then re-named The Riverside Theatre when current owner Stuart Saunders took over in 1985.

Now the cinema offers state of the art screening with laser projection and Dolby certificated sound. It’s a real privilege to be able to screen our Official Selections here.

“Great festival, packed with a very inspiring line-up. Really friendly, welcoming and supportive team running the event. Lovely venue, too. It was great seeing our film playing on the big-screen in its home county.”