9th Annual British Independent Film Awards

In its ninth year, the British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) has established itself as one of the most important awards ceremonies in the British film industry. BIFA honours the best and brightest film talent, acknowledging independent films that are majority financed by British resources. The much anticipated awards ceremony will take place on 29th November 2006 at the Hammersmith Palais in West London.

The BIFAs are now under the newly appointed directorship of Johanna von Fischer and Tessa Collinson who have jointly been involved with the running of the Awards since its inception in 1998.

They say: “We are really excited that the BIFAs are now regarded as the kick-off to the international awards season which culminates in the BAFTAs and Academy Awards in the Spring. The BIFAs also have a real purpose to promote British Independent film talent to an ever growing audience worldwide.”

Founder Elliot Grove is delighted with the progress that BIFA has made and more than happy with its two new directors. “I am proud to have created the only true indigenous independent film awards in Britain back in 1998. The time is now right for BIFA to stand on its own and grow under the capable hands of Johanna and Tessa who between them have worked with me since the beginning.”

Last year The Constant Gardener impressed the jury chaired by Michael Kuhn, garnering awards for Best British Independent Film, Best Performance by An Actor for Ralph Fiennes and Best Performance by An Actress for Rachel Weisz.

Keira Knightley was also among honourees collecting a Variety UK Personality of the Year award at the ceremony in West London.

Patrons of BIFA include Mike Figgis, Tom Hollander, Adrian Lester, Ken Loach, Ewan McGregor, Samantha Morton, Bill Nighy, Trudie Styler, Meera Syal and Michael Winterbottom.

bifa.org.uk