The British Independent Film Awards are pleased to announce the jury members for the 6th annual awards, to be held in Central London during the evening of Tuesday 4th November 2003.

They are Daniel Battsek (Senior Vice-President Buena Vista International (UK) Ltd. Set up BVI UK Comedy Label, which to date has produced 3 features, HIGH HEELS AND LOW LIFES, HOPE SPRINGS and CALENDAR GIRLS), Lindy Hemming (Costume Designer, Credits include: TOMBRAIDER (1&2), HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, DIE ANOTHER DAY, TOPSY TURVY, THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE and FOUR WEDDINGS & A FUNERAL), Tom Hollander (Actor, Credits include THE LAWLESS HEART, GOSFORD PARK and ENIGMA. Most recently seen in CAMBRIDGE SPIES a mini series for BBC TV), Lindy King (Actor’s Agent at Peters Fraser & Dunlop, representing a number of leading actors), Kevin MacDonald (Director, Credits include: multi-award winning ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER, BEING MICK, and the yet to be released TOUCHING THE VOID), Roman Osin (Cinematographer, THE WARRIOR, a multi-award winning film including two awards for cinematography. Credits include: UNDER THE STARS and the upcoming BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY and I AM DAVID), Tracey Scoffield (Head of Development and Executive Producer, BBC Films. Recent credits include: THE MOTHER directed by Roger Michell and scripted by Hanif Kureshi showing at the Cannes Director’s Fortnight; and SYLVIA starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Daniel Craig), Meera Syal (Actress/Comedienne/writer, recently BAFTA nominated for her portrayal of Ummi in THE KUMARS AT NUMBER 42. Recent writing credits include: BOLLYWOOD DREAMS, ANITA & ME and LIFE ISN’T ALL HA HA HEE HEE which she is currently adapting for a television series), and Colin Vaines (Executive Vice-President, European Production and Development, Miramax. Credits include: GANGS OF NEW YORK, HIDEOUS KINKY, B. MONKEY).

Last year’s fifth Annual British Independent Film Awards saw the event being named the Time Out Best Party for October 2002, as well as receiving two Hollis Sponsorship Award nominations and winning Best Low Budget Sponsorship.

In its Sixth year the British Independent Film Awards continue to grow in size and stature, filling an important niche in the UK and Independent filmmaking calendar. This evening as always, promises to celebrate the talents and achievements of Independent Filmmakers worldwide.

After Richard Harris’ posthumous receipt of a special award for Outstanding Contribution by an Actor, the Harris family have given their permission and blessing that this award be carried on in his name as the Richard Harris Award.

This year will also see the introduction of the Best British Feature Documentary. The organisers feel this is a welcome addition to the current categories, highlighting and publicising an important educational and prolific genre of British independent filmmaking.

Director and founder, Elliot Grove, sums-up the 6th awards by saying; “The first five years have established the British Independent Film Awards as an important event which supports and celebrates the indigenous film culture and proves that British films have a unique place in the international film scene”

Categories for the awards include:

… Best British Independent Film (supported by Park Caledonia)

… Best Foreign Independent Film – Foreign Language

… Best Foreign Independent Film – English Language (supported by UGC Cinemas)

… Best Performance by an Actor in a British Independent Film

… Best Performance by an Actress in a British Independent Film

… Best Performance by a supporting Actor (male/female) in a British Independent Film

… Best Director of a British Independent Film (supported by The Creative Partnership)

… The Douglas Hickox Award, for a British director on their debut feature (supported by BBC Films)

… Best Screenplay for a British Independent Film (supported by FilmFinders)

… Most Promising Newcomer (supported by Raindance)

… Best British Feature Documentary

… Best Achievement in Production (supported by Recorded Picture Company)

… Most Effective Distribution Campaign (supported by launchingfilms.com)

… The Richard Harris Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Actor to British Film

… The Lifetime Achievement Award

… The Special Jury Prize

… The Variety UK Entertainment Personality Award

A film is eligible for consideration if:

… It is intended for theatrical release, and has had a public screening to a paying audience either on general release in the UK or at a British based Film Festival between 1 October 2002 and 30 September 2003.

… It is not solely funded by a single Studio.

… It has been produced or majority co-produced by a British company, or is in receipt of at least 51% of its budget from a British source/sources.

Films submitted for consideration are first viewed by the Advisory Committee who recommends nominations to the Jury.

British Independent Film Awards 2003 – Central London – Tuesday 4 November, from 7.15pm.

For further information, please contact Phil Symes

@ The PR Contact

Tel: 020 7323 1200 / Fax: 020 7323 1070

Email: philsymes@theprcontact.com

For updated news, check out the BIFA website on: www.bifa.org.uk