General 21 August 2026
Support the Bo’ness Hippodrome in our Bid for BIFA Cinema of the Year
Film fans across Falkirk and beyond are being encouraged to vote for the Hippodrome Bo’ness in the British Independent Film Awards' (BIFA) Cinema of the Year competition.
Public voting is now open for the award which recognises independent cinemas that create outstanding experiences for audiences and play an important role in their communities.
As Scotland's oldest purpose-built cinema, the Hippodrome is calling on local residents, regular visitors and film lovers from across the UK to help secure national recognition for one of Bo’ness's most treasured landmarks.
Voting is open now at Vote Now! · BIFA · British Independent Film Awards and closes on 22 September.
Since opening its doors in 1912, the Hippodrome has combined the charm of a historic picture palace with modern technology and a diverse programme of films and events.
Alongside screenings of new releases, independent and international cinema, family favourites and classic films, the venue hosts special events designed to bring audiences together. These include director Q&As, audience discussions, themed evenings and the popular Taste-Along screenings, where specially crafted artisan chocolates from Edinburgh chocolatier Thinking Chocolate are paired with key moments in selected films.
The cinema is also home to HippFest, Scotland's internationally renowned silent film festival, which attracts audiences, musicians and film professionals to Bo’ness each year.
More recently, the Hippodrome featured as a key filming location in the three-time BAFTA-winning film I Swear, based on the life of Tourette's Syndrome campaigner John Davidson.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: "The Hippodrome is one of Bo’ness’ best-loved landmarks and a cinema with a place in the hearts of generations of local people. It is part of the area’s story and continues to bring people together through film, culture and shared experience.
“With public voting now open, this is a brilliant chance to celebrate everything that makes the Hippodrome special. I hope people in Bo’ness and beyond will take a moment to vote and help show the rest of the UK how much this remarkable cinema means to our communities."
What happens next?
Following the close of public voting on 22 September, a longlist will be announced on 13 October, with five nominated cinemas revealed on 3 November.
The overall winner will then be selected by a specially appointed jury of cinema professionals and announced at the British Independent Film Awards ceremony at London's Roundhouse on 6 December.
Thank you for your support.
Vote now at Vote Now! · BIFA · British Independent Film Awards
