It’s an event that bears all the familiar hallmarks: the red carpet, extravagant outfits and carefully crafted speeches; cries of “Oh my God!”, waves of applause and endless lists of people to thank. The British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), which the Maison Taittinger is proud to support, might be considered – with a dash of British humour – as Britain’sanswer to the César.
From the underground scene to the red carpet
Created in 1998, the BIFAs celebrate independent British cinema, transforming niche films into popular favourites. Far from Hollywood’s extravagant special effects and large budgets, these awards focus on films of authenticity, often with a comment or message to society.
Each year, the awards give centre stage to directors from the underground films scene, and to voices that haven’t yet hit the mainstream. Their films offer a snapshot of British diversity, exploring life in working-class London neighbourhoods, the rugged beauty of the Scottish countryside, or issues surrounding immigration, feminism and social inequality.
Cinema that is often jarring, and never tepid
Though you may not have heard of the BIFAs before, you’re sure to know some of their success stories. It is to the BIFAs that we owe the discovery of This is England, Shane Meadows’ stark and vibrant story of the improbable friendship between a young man and a group of skinheads in England during the Thatcher years.
Before it became a global phenomenon, Slumdog Millionaire also made waves at the ceremony in 2008. This modern tale of a young Indian man defying destiny by taking part in a TV quiz show went on to win four Golden Globes and eight Oscars. Proof, if it were needed, that the BIFAs have a knack for sniffing out success before the crowds arrive.
The same was true of Yórgos Lánthimos’ The Favourite, a quirky satire of life in the English royal court starring Emma Stone and Olivia Colman, which took home ten of the most prestigious BIFA awards in 2018.
A springboard for British filmmakers
In addition to these success stories, the BIFAs are also about nurturing creativity. In the past they have brought acclaim for talented female directors such as Andrea Arnold with Fish Tank (2009), or Lynne Ramsay, whose brilliant work We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) both fascinated and disturbed French audiences.
The latest ceremony, held on 8 December 2024 at the Roundhouse – an iconic London concert hall – saw Kneecap sweep the awards. This Irish film follows the adventures of a group of rappers leading a movement to save their native Gaelic language, and took home 7 awards, including Best British Independent Film, Best Casting and Best Debut Screenwriter.
Other noteworthy winners included Wicked Little Letters (2023), directed by Thea Sharrock, which won a curious award that does not have a direct equivalent in France: Best Ensemble Performance. This prize showcases remarkable collaborations and the chemistry between a film’s cast.
An eagerly-awaited event
“The BIFA awards are always a highlight of the Taittinger calendar in the UK” explains Emily Reay, Brand Manager for Taittinger in the UK. “It is a joy to see first wins for people at the beginning of their careers being feted on the same stage as film industry moguls who have continued to nurture their passion for independent cinema…” Emily goes on to tell us what happens once the curtain falls on the ceremony: “the best bit is seeing them all celebrate on the dancefloor together afterwards!”
Amy Gustin, Director of the British Independent Film Awards CIC, adds “our partnership with Maison Taittinger allows us to ensure that this very special moment of communal joy and recognition of the most creative, independently minded filmmakers in the U.K. is truly unforgettable.”
This encapsulates the spirit of the BIFAs: a window into the most raw and authentic corners of the British cinema scene.
The next time you hear about a hit film from across the Channel, take a closer look: perhaps it took its first steps here at this celebration of free, intimate and untamed cinema.
