Wellington Orbit, Telford’s only independent cinema, has entered this year’s BIFA Cinema of the Year Award and is calling on local fans and the wider community to show their support by voting.
The award, now in its second year, gives cinemagoers across the UK the opportunity to celebrate the cinemas that mean the most to them. Public voting opens on 21st August, with audiences able to vote for their favourite cinema before the vote closes on 21stSeptember.
Wellington Orbit is an independent, community-owned cinema, combining a 63-seat cinema with a cafe, arts studio and meeting rooms. Since opening in 2019, it has grown into a venue that aims to be about more than simply watching films, providing a place for people to meet, take part in activities and experience culture within the local community.
Damian Breeze, manager at Wellington Orbit, said: “Being part of the Cinema of the Year Award is a real honour for the Orbit, but more importantly, it’s a chance to celebrate what our cinema means to the people of Wellington.
“We’re incredibly proud to be an independent cinema, and everything we do is about creating a place where people can come together, enjoy great films and feel part of something local. We’d love to see the people of Wellington get behind us and show BIFA just how much the Orbit means to our community.”
BIFA’s Cinema of the Year Award celebrates cinemas that go beyond showing films, recognising venues that form the centrepieces of their communities and bring people together around the films that matter.
The public vote will determine a longlist of cinemas, which will be announced on 13 October, with five nominees revealed on 3 November. A specially selected jury of cinema professionals will then decide the winner, which will be announced at the BIFA ceremony at London’s Roundhouse on 6th December.
BIFA directors Amy Gustin and Deena Wallace said: “The response to our first Cinema of the Year award was incredible, and we are so excited to bring it back for a second year. Last year, amazing cinemas from all over the UK entered to show just how much they mean to their local areas, and we hope to see that same brilliant support this year. This award is our way of recognising the value of independent cinemas to people and the industry, whilst celebrating the hardworking teams behind the screens and the loyal audiences who support them.”
Steve Hicks, Marketing Director at Kia UK Limited, said: “We are proud to once again support this award and uncover the best cinema in the UK. Film enthusiasts love celebrating their favourite movies during awards season, but now they can also celebrate the best venues for enjoying these films.
“Nothing compares to the ‘big screen’ experience for those eager to fully immerse themselves in the latest releases, especially when cinemas are so central to their local communities. We are excited to collaborate with the British Independent Film Awards to once again recognise the cinemas providing film fans with the most memorable and enjoyable experiences.”
The Orbit is now calling on the Wellington community to get behind their local cinema and cast their vote.
Cinemagoers can vote for Wellington Orbit at: www.bifa.film/coty-vote
