‘Onwards and Sideways’ screening celebrates Norfolk filmmaking, local cinema and charities

Date published: 13th November 2026

On Thursday 12 November North Norfolk District Council, and film office partners Norfolk Screen held an exclusive screening of ‘Onwards and Sideways’, which was shot entirely in Norfolk. 
 
The film began production in North Norfolk in November 2025 and brought award-winning actors Laura Linney, Rhys Ifans, Monica Dolan and Rory Kinnear to the county, where they worked with community groups, charities and local businesses. 
 
Onwards and Sideways premiered at Toronto International Film Festival to a standing ovation and hit theatres on Friday 6 November following a UK premiere on Sunday 1 November. 
 
To mark the importance of this film, North Norfolk District Council, with support from Norfolk Screen, hosted a screening of the film at the Central Cinema in Fakenham. 


Pictured: Producer Hilary Bevan Jones
 
The audience comprised of local cast, crew, businesses and groups that were part of the production process.  
 
Director John Madden and producer Hilary Bevan Jones were special guests and took part in a Q&A session about the production process and wider filmmaking landscape. 


Pictured: Hilary Bevan Jones and director John Madden 
 
The film sector in North Norfolk is a growth area that the Council is committed to supporting – the economic impact of the production, which shot over a 65-day window, was valued at an estimated £1.5M for the area.  
 
Steve Blatch, Chief Executive said: 
 
“When John and Hilary wanted to bring their production to Norfolk, we were more than happy to provide all the support we could to make their project the success it has become.  
 
North Norfolk District Council recognises the substantial contribution the film sector is already making to our communities and the potential for an even deeper relationship in the future.  
 
The production of Onwards and Sideways has contributed around £1.5M to our local economy, a tremendous boost to a rural area that relies heavily on tourism. Thanks once again to all the local businesses, organisations and charities who came together and enthusiastically supported this film.” 

Special thanks to Central Cinema, Fakenham, Hannah Brodie Photography and StructureFlex for their support.