Over 130 venues enter BIFA’s Cinema of the Year award – public vote open

Public voting has opened for the British Independent Film Awards’ (BIFA) Cinema of the Year award, supported by Kia, with over 130 regional cinemas in the running for the prize.

To reach the longlist, entrants were asked to detail why their venue is special and an important part of their local community.

Members of the public can take part in the initial vote until 22 September, before a BIFA jury selects five nominees, taking into account the public votes and cinemas’ submissions.

These nominees will be announced on 3 November alongside the full BIFA nominations, with a further public vote from 3-24 November selecting the winner, which will then be revealed at the annual ceremony on 30 November.

Touching on the importance of the Cinema of the Year award, BIFA said: “This exciting new award will allow 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.”

Nominees range from Mareel in Lerwick, Shetland–the UK’s northernmost cinema–to Savoy Cinema in Penzance, Cornwall. 

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy commented: “Cinemas are at the heart of so many high streets and communities across the country, and they are the lifeblood of our world-class film industry. 

“These much-loved venues are worthy of recognition, and I am delighted that this award will provide them with that.”

Film fans can vote for their favourite cinema on the BIFA website.