Vote Now! We're up for BIFA’s first Cinema of the Year Award

We have been entered in the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) inaugural Cinema of the Year award, supported by Kia.

A fan of our cinema? On the top floor of the Corn Exchange, you'll find our cosy 40-seat cinema, which shows the best of contemporary and classic cinema. We have been entered into the British Independent Film Awards' very first Cinema of the Year award, supported by Kia and voted for by cinemagoers, where votes are categorised to reflect cinema and local population size - so every vote truly counts. 

Voting is now open and runs until Monday 22 September. After that, a jury will review all entries and public votes to determine five exceptional nominees for the next stage in November! 

How to vote:

Visit the BIFA website from 22 August, search for 'Corn Exchange Newbury' and cast your vote, it’s quick and easy, with optional comments you can leave about why you love coming to visit us.

About the award:

Nothing is quite like the experience of watching a film in the cinema, 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 cinema 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's why this year, Kia is proud to elevate their 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.

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, Marketing Director at Kia UK Limited 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.’