Film / News
Bristol cinema shortlisted in British Independent Film Awards
A cinema in Bristol is in the running for the British Independent Film Awards’ (BIFA) first-ever Cinema of the Year award.
Watershed is one of the five cinemas from across the country which were shortlisted for the award from a list of over 130 names.
The independent cinema is now appealing to its fans in the city and beyond to vote and help Watershed win the title.
Watershed currently has three cinema screens – photo: Martin Booth
“Being shortlisted for the BIFA Cinema of the Year award has absolutely made our year,” said CEO of Watershed Clare Reddington.
“I am so proud of Watershed’s thriving programme, loyal audiences, and values-first approach.”
The final five nominees for the award were chosen based on votes from more than 100,000 cinemagoers and a specially appointed jury, who took into account each cinema’s contribution to communities, approach towards sustainability and accessibility for all people.
Clare continued: “If you love what we do and want to help celebrate the amazing team that make it happen, please join me in casting your vote for Watershed as Cinema of the Year.
“And if we win, I promise there will be free nachos for all…(No seriously – if we win, we will serve celebratory nachos on a specific day/time, which we will announce on our socials).”
Watershed’s commitment towards new independent and international films, alongside regularly being “one of the country’s top-performing” cinemas, Clare added, were some reasons they should win this award.
“We care about making Watershed as welcoming, inclusive and accessible as we can,” she said.
“Our building is accessible, our staff are British Sign Language trained, we have award-winning public toilets for everyone and we present a consistent accessible programme of screenings, events and exhibitions.”
Additionally, Watershed’s project Cinema Rediscovered has been called “the UK’s leading festival dedicated to classic cinema” by the British Film Institute’s (BFI) Film magazine Sight and Sound.
The cinema in the city centre is known to “nurture and profile” filmmaking talents across different stages in their career.
In 2019, they declared a climate emergency and have since been committed to reducing their carbon emissions.
Clare said: “We collaborate with partners in the local community and provide space for grassroots and community groups to meet.
“We keep our prices low – anyone under 25 can get a ticket at any time for just £6.”
People can vote for Watershed to be named BIFA’s Cinema of The Year here.
Voting ends on November 25, with results set to be announced on November 30.
Main photo: Watershed
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
