Five cinemas from across the UK were announced this week as the finalists for the hot-contested inaugural ‘Cinema of the Year’ title at this year’s British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs).

After a public vote and following the careful consideration of a judging panel, the final short-list was confirmed to consist of the following venues:

  • The Depot, Lewes
  • The Magic Lantern Cinema, Tywyn
  • Montrose Playhouse
  • Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast
  • Watershed, Bristol.

The five cinemas – all UK Cinema Association members – emerged from a ‘long-list’ of over 130 sites of all shapes, sizes and locations across the UK. Ultimately, after over 100,000 public votes were cast and following further consideration, these cinemas will go into battle for the title of BIFA ‘Cinema of the Year’.

The vote to decide the winner is now open and can be found here.

Voting closes on Tuesday 25 November with the winner announced on BIFA social media channels on Sunday 30 November.