BIFAs to take centre stage in November 2006

In its ninth year, the British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) have established themselves as one of the most imporant awards ceremonies in the British film industy.
Nominations and this year's jury will be announced on October 25 in central London. The much anticipated ceremony will take place on November 29 2006 at the Hammersmith Palais in West London.
The BIFAS are now under the newly appointed directorship of Johanna von Fiscer and Tess Collinson who have jointly been involved with the running of the awards since its inception in 1998.
Organisers enthused: "We are really exited that the BIFAs are now regardes as the kick-off to the international awards season which culminates in the BAFTAs and the Academy Awards. The BIFAs also have a real purpose to promote Independent film talent to an ever growing audience worldwide."
Last year the 'Constant Gardner' impressed the jury chaired by Michael Kuhn. Criterion for entry includes that a film must be produced or majority co-produced by a British company and that it must include sufficient creative elements from the UK.
(DS/SP)