The British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) announced its nominations today, including the nominees for the very first Cinema of the Year award, supported by Kia and voted for by cinemagoers.

Over 130 cinemas entered and over 100,000 votes were cast by cinemagoers up and down the UK. The final five nominees were selected by a specially appointed jury, taking into account the public vote and the cinemas’ contribution to their community, to environmental sustainability and to making cinema accessible for all.

The nominees are:

Depot Cinema, Lewes

The Magic Lantern Cinema, Tywyn

Montrose Playhouse

Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast

Watershed, Bristol – VOTE FOR WATERSHED! BRISTOL!

Cinemagoers can now vote from 3 to 25 November to decide the winner, which will be revealed at the BIFA ceremony on Sunday 30 November.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “The incredible response to this award, with over 100,000 people voting for their favourite cinema, shows just how much the silver screen means to communities right across Britain. Independent cinemas don’t just screen films, they bring people together, support our creative industries and play an important role in our cultural life.”

BIFA directors Amy Gustin and Deena Wallace said: “The outpouring of affection and passion from cinemagoers for their local cinema has been wonderful to see. Over 100,000 voted and took the time to tell us why their favourite cinema meant so much to them. These are cherished places of community, discovery and connection, exemplified by the five nominees for this inaugural award.”

Kia has backed independent cinema and their communities since 2022. As a proud supporter of independent cinema and the screening of independent films, like BIFA, Kia is championing diverse and compelling stories that reach the big screen. That’s why this year, Kia is proud to elevate its commitment to independent cinemas by partnering with BIFA on the first Cinema of the Year Award. This exciting new award allows local communities to celebrate their favourite cinemas by getting behind them and voting for them to win this prestigious award celebrating the UK’s best independent cinema.

Steve Hicks, Marketing Director at Kia UK Limited said: “We’re excited to partner with the British Independent Film Awards to recognise the very best cinemas in the UK today, along with more than 100,000 film fans who have named their very favourite venues. Nothing compares to the ‘big screen’ experience, and the nominees for Cinema of the Year are those that put their local communities at the very heart of the action, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience time after time.”

Voting is now open here: https://www.bifa.film/coty-vote – VOTE FOR WATERSHED! BRISTOL

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