BRITISH INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS
Our objectives
The British Independent Film Awards highlight and reward the best, most innovative and creative independent filmmaking and filmmakers in the UK. BIFA identifies and encourages emerging talent, supports and celebrates the independent film community and promotes British film and talent to the public.
Each year, the BIFA voters, made up of the Screening Group and Nomination Committee, view the 400+ entered films. After a rigorous discussion-based selection process, the long list and nominations are decided by confidential vote. The winners in most categories are decided by independent juries, newly appointed each year and not involved in the nominations process. These juries, comprised of leading professionals and talent from the British film industry, meet to discuss all the nominated films and the winners are decided by secret ballot. The winners for Best British Independent Film, Best British Short Film, Best International Independent Film, Best Documentary, The Raindance Discovery Award and the nine craft categories are decided by a confidential vote amongst all BIFA voters. Once the votes have been counted and validated, the winners are announced at the British Independent Film Awards.
Our activities
Throughout the rest of the year, BIFA works to promote the films and filmmakers identified by the awards within the UK and international film industry and to audiences (especially under 25s) via an always-on campaign marketing British independent film and filmmakers. BIFA also supports the talented emerging filmmakers identified by the Awards with the Springboard programme, which aims to help debut filmmakers as they progress from their first to second features. The programme includes continuing professional development sessions, networking opportunities and initiatives to support filmmakers to continue developing their careers.
BIFA also runs a ground-breaking Unconscious Bias Training programme since 2018, developed with and funded by ScreenSkills, which returns this year alongside two new programmes: Anti-Bullying and Harassment Training, and Fair Recruitment and Inclusivity in the Workplace Training.