Storyhouse enters cinema of the year award

Storyhouse is appealing for Chester cinemagoers’ help to win the inaugural accolade in a new award run by the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA). 

The Hunter Street cultural centre has entered the BIFA Cinema of the Year Award, supported by Kia, but needs votes from the public to secure its nomination for the title.

Film fans and members of the community can vote for Storyhouse by visiting www.bifa.film/coty-vote/storyhouse

In July, cinemas nationwide were invited to enter and tell BIFA what made their venue so special.

Voting among cinemagoers has now opened and closes on Monday, 22 September. A specially selected jury will then select the nominees, taking into account audience votes and the cinemas’ submissions and

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

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 cinemas 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 is why this year, Kia is proud to elevate its 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.

Nicky Beaumont, Head of Cinema at Storyhouse,  said: “As Chester’s only independent cinema, we’re really excited to be part of the first BIFA Independent Cinema Awards.

“Storyhouse is a not-for-profit cinema with a strong community focus, bringing a range of hand-picked films to the city centre. From family weekend screenings to cult classics picked by our own cinema team, our programme offers a little bit of something for everyone.

“The final shortlist for the award is by public vote, and we’re asking customers to get behind us to put Storyhouse Cinema and Chester on the independent cinema map.”

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.”

And Steve Hicks, Marketing Director of Kia UK Limited, added: “Film enthusiasts love celebrating their favourite movies during awards season. Now cinemagoers 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’re excited to collaborate with the British Independent Film Awards to recognise the cinemas that provide film fans with the most memorable and enjoyable experience.”

Vote for Storyhouse by visiting www.bifa.film/coty-vote/storyhouse

For more details on Storyhouse visit www.storyhouse.com