Metro Manila Wins Big at BIFA

Sean Ellis’ Metro Manila

The British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) recognises the best independent British films, obviously. So the winners, or even the nominees, barely reflect what we will see at the Oscars, which makes them all but irrelevent across the pond. However, it does give us Brits an indication of which films are reaping the most acclaim, and therefore which of our indies stand the most chance of being noticed in Hollywood.

This year it was Sean Ellis’ Metro Manila that won three awards including the top prize. The film, shot in the Phillipines, is the UK foreign language submission to the Academy Awards, so its recognition at such a high profile British indie awards is a great sign that it stands a chance of being at least noticed, maybe even nominated.

But let’s be realistic – the criteria for these awards are so far removed from the Oscars that comparing them is a waste of time. What they do offer is an important promotional springboard for those films that cannot compete at the Academy Awards – terrific independent productions that need attention but can’t afford the costs of theatrical exhibition.

The full list of winners of the British Independent Film Awards are below:

Winners

British Independent Film – Metro Manila

Director – Sean Ellis, Metro Manila

The Douglas Hickox Award (Debut Director) – Paul Wright, For Those in Peril

Screenplay – Steven Knight, Locke

Actress – Lindsay Duncan, Le Week-end

Actor – James McAvoy, Filth

Supporting Actress – Imogen Poots, The Look of Love

Supporting Actor – Ben Mendelsohn, Starred Up

Most Promising Newcomer – Chloe Pirrie, Shell

Achievement in Production – Metro Manila

Technical Achievement – Amy Hubbard, Casting, The Selfish Giant

Documentary – Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer

British Short – Z1

International Independent Film – Blue Is The Warmest Colour

The Raindance Award – The Machine

The Richard Harris Award – Julie Walters

The Variety Award – Paul Greengrass

The Special Jury Prize – Sixteen Films & Friends