British Independent Film Festival

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The British Independent Film Festival (BIFF) is an independent film festival that takes place annually in the United Kingdom and is one of four events hosted by the Film Festival Guild,^[1] including the British Animation Film Festival, the International Film Festival of Wales and the British Horror Film Festival.^[2] Founded in 2010,^[3] the festival aims to showcase independent films from around the world with a particular focus on British talent. The festival has previously been held in various locations throughout England, including Bournemouth,^[4] Poole,^[5] and Bury St Edmunds,^[6] but has its roots at home in London, most often screening at the Cineworld in Leicester Square.^{[7][8][9][10]} The festival has become a highly anticipated event in the UK film calendar and has featured a number of notable films and filmmakers including Sian Clifford, James Cosmo, Emily Mortimer, Doug Milsome BSC ASC, Ryan Gage, April Pearson, Laura Whitmore^[11] and Jason Flemyng.

The festival has gained a reputation for showcasing a wide range of independent films and supporting emerging talent in the film industry with filmmaker Q&A sessions and awards ceremony. Award categories include Best Feature Film,^[12] Best Short,^[13] Best Music Video,^[14][15] Best Director and Best Actor/Actress^[16] amongst others.

In addition to its typical in-person events, the British Independent Film Festival was also hosted online in 2020^[17] and 2021^[18] due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The British Independent Film Festival recently took place at the British Museum in May 2023.^[19]