Celebrating Onwards and Sideways with a Special Screening in Norfolk

At Norfolk Screen, it has been a tremendous privilege to play a part in the journey of Onwards and Sideways, a remarkable film that has not only achieved international acclaim but has also showcased Norfolk on a global stage.

From the outset, it was clear that Onwards and Sideways was a special project. Filming began in North Norfolk in late 2025 and brought an exceptional cast to the county, including Laura Linney, Rhys Ifans, Monica Dolan and Rory Kinnear. Throughout production, the team worked closely with local businesses, charities and community groups, creating meaningful relationships and demonstrating the collaborative spirit that makes filming in Norfolk such a rewarding experience.

To celebrate the film’s success, North Norfolk District Council, with support from Norfolk Screen, hosted a special screening at the Central Cinema in Fakenham on 12th November 2026. The event brought together local cast members, crew, suppliers, businesses, community organisations and production partners who all played a role in bringing the film to life. It was a wonderful evening and a fitting celebration of an outstanding film, offering everyone involved the opportunity to reflect on the journey from production to screen and to share in the pride of seeing such a moving, funny and powerful story embraced by audiences.

We were especially pleased to welcome director John Madden and producer Hilary Bevan Jones for a post-screening Q&A, where they shared insights into the filmmaking process and reflected on the growing opportunities for film and television production across the region.

Most importantly, the screening offered the chance to experience the film itself. Onwards and Sideways is a moving, funny and deeply powerful piece of filmmaking, full of warmth, humanity and emotional resonance. Seeing Norfolk’s landscapes and communities woven into a story of such quality and impact was a source of immense pride, and the audience response was a reminder of the power film has to connect people, spark conversations and leave a lasting impression.

For Norfolk Screen, projects like Onwards and Sideways demonstrate the lasting value of welcoming film and television productions to the county. Beyond the production itself, films of this calibre help raise Norfolk’s profile within the industry, generating excitement and confidence among filmmakers considering the region for future projects. When respected productions choose to film here and create work that resonates so strongly with audiences, it reinforces Norfolk’s reputation as a world-class filming destination and inspires others to see what is possible.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make Onwards and Sideways a reality in Norfolk, from local authorities and location teams to businesses, charities, residents and community groups. It has been a pleasure to support such a brilliant production from its earliest stages, and we look forward to seeing the lasting legacy it leaves both for audiences and for Norfolk’s screen industry.

Special thanks go to Central Cinema, Fakenham, Hannah Brodie Photography and StructureFlex for their support of the screening event and to our brilliant partners at North Norfolk District Council for the support they have provided.