Venue 22 August 2025

THE HIPPODROME CINEMA, BO’NESS ENTERS BIFA’S CINEMA OF THE YEAR AWARD

BIFA has launched its very first Cinema of the Year award, supported by Kia and voted for by cinemagoers.

Support The Hippodrome Cinema and vote here:  https://www.bifa.film/coty-vote/hippodrome

The Hippodrome Cinema, Bo’ness has entered the British Independent Film Award’s (BIFA) inaugural Cinema of the Year award, supported by Kia and are calling on their loyal audiences and the local community to vote for them to ensure they secure a nomination for this award. 

In July, cinemas nationwide were invited to enter and tell BIFA why their cinema is so special.  

The first round of voting amongst cinemagoers has now opened and closes on 22 September. A specially selected jury will then select the nominees, taking into account audience votes and the cinemas’ submissions. 

Five nominees will be announced on 3 November along with the rest of BIFA’s 2025 Awards nominees. Cinemagoers can then vote again from 3 to 24 November to decide the winner, to be revealed at the BIFA ceremony on Sunday 30 November. 

Cinemagoers can vote for their cinema at www.bifa.film/coty-vote. 

About the award:

Nothing is quite like the communal experience of watching a film on the big screen and BIFA wants to celebrate exceptional cinemas around the country that are at the heart of their communities, bringing audiences together and spotlighting independent film.

​​Kia has been championing independent cinema and their communities since 2022. As a proud supporter of independent cinema and the screening of independent films, like BIFA, Kia is celebrating diverse and compelling stories that reach the big screen. That's why this year, Kia is proud to elevate their commitment to independent cinemas by partnering with BIFA on the first Cinema of the Year award. This exciting new award will allow local communities to celebrate their favourite cinemas by getting behind them and voting for them to win this prestigious award celebrating the UK's best independent cinema.

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “The Hippodrome is a much-loved landmark that has been part of Bo’ness for over a century. It offers a distinctive cinema experience, attracts visitors from across the UK and further afield, supports local businesses, and brings people together to enjoy film in a very unique setting. This award is an opportunity to recognise the value of independent cinemas to our communities, and we would encourage everyone to show their support by casting their vote.” 

Alison Strauss, Arts Development Officer (Film and Media), Falkirk Council said: “The whole team at the Hippodrome is immensely proud of this special cinema and we know that our audiences feel just as passionately as us about this gorgeous venue… its warm welcome, its broad programme and its status as Scotland’s oldest purpose-built cinema.  We think of the Hippodrome as the jewel in the nation’s cinema crown and we want the world to know it. So please vote for by the 22nd September to help us secure the Hippodrome’s place on the shortlist!”

BIFA directors Amy Gustin and Deena Wallace said: “We’re so excited to announce our first ever audience award with this campaign which champions the role of cinema in independent film, not just what we watch but how and where we experience it. Cinemas are vital spaces for film discovery, access and community and we’re delighted to be able to celebrate them with this new award.”

Steve Hicks, Marketing Director at Kia UK Limited said: “Film enthusiasts love celebrating their favourite movies during awards season. Now cinema-goers can also celebrate the best venues for enjoying these films. While streaming at home is convenient, nothing compares to the ‘big screen’ experience for those eager to fully immerse themselves in the latest releases, especially when these cinemas are so central to their local communities. We are excited to collaborate with the British Independent Film Awards to recognise the cinemas that provide film fans with the most memorable and enjoyable experiences.”