The Magic Lantern seeking BIFA’s first Cinema of the Year Award

Patrons and the local community are being asked to vote for The Magic Lantern Cinema in Tywyn which is bidding to become the first winner of the Cinema of the Year Award at British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).

The cinema, situated in the Mid Wales coastal resort, needs support to secure a nomination for the new award, sponsored by Kia. Cinemas nationwide were invited in July to enter and tell BIFA why they are so special. 

Voting at www.bifa.film/coty-vote closes on September 22 and a specially selected jury will select the nominees, taking into account audience votes and the cinemas’ submissions.

Five nominees will be announced on November 3, along with the rest of nominees the BIFAs 2025. Cinemagoers can vote from November 3 to 24 to decide the winner, who will be revealed at the BIFA ceremony on November 30.

The Magic Lantern is one of the UK’s oldest cinemas, having showed its first film in 1901. The cinema now boasts state of the art technology whilst retaining the traditional charm its age and history deserves. 

As well as screening films 364 days a year, it hosts a variety of events, free live music every Friday night, parties, coffee afternoons for local charities, quiz nights, theatre shows – live and on screen – and is a community hub with local organisations often using the venue for special events.

It’s such a beloved space that it is even used to host celebrations, from wedding parties to celebrations of life.

BIFA wants is seeking to celebrate exceptional cinemas around the country that are at the heart of their communities, bringing audiences together and spotlighting independent films. ​​Kia has been championing independent cinema and their communities since 2022.

The new award allows local communities to celebrate their favourite cinemas by getting behind them and voting for them to win this prestigious award.

The Magic Lantern Cinema manager, Sara Hulls, said: “We truly believe that The Magic Lantern is a very special place and is a truly important part of our community.

“We are so much more than just a cinema and we would love to be recognised nationally as a thank you to our incredible team of staff who work so hard to make The Lantern so special and our wonderful audiences, who have supported us through some very tough times in recent years.”

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.”

Steve Hicks, Kia UK Limited marketing director, said: “Film enthusiasts love celebrating their favourite movies during awards season. Now cinema-goers 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 are excited to collaborate with the British Independent Film Awards to recognise the cinemas that provide film fans with the most memorable and enjoyable experiences.”