Midlands cinema makes BIFA Cinema of the Year longlist
Mockingbird Cinema is in the running for BIFA’s Cinema of the Year award after making the 15-venue UK longlist. Voters praised the Digbeth independent for its film programme, staff, events and support for filmmakers, with one calling it “the beating heart of Digbeth”.
The independent two-screen cinema in the Custard Factory works with Reel Brum, hosts Forward Film Festival and screens new releases, classics, world cinema and independent films.
Asked for a favourite memory in the award’s public vote, one contributor wrote: “My short film being played at the first ever Reel Brum event, a local filmmakers networking event. I met a lot of people that night, some of whom I have collaborated with since.”
Lee Nabbs at Mockingbird Cinema said: “We’re absolutely made up. For local filmmakers, having somewhere to show your work and meet people you can work with matters. That’s why we put time into Reel Brum, Forward Film Festival and our community screenings. This work has grown here in Digbeth, with filmmakers and audiences coming back and bringing other people with them. Thank you to everyone who voted, and to the team who make it happen.”
Beth Larby of Mockingbird Cinema said: “To be longlisted as one of the UK’s best cinemas has been overwhelmingly exciting. Through the whole campaign, the best part of the process has been hearing all of the comments our community submitted when voting."
"It was incredibly wholesome, showing a true appreciation for the relationship our customers have to our cinema, and spotlighting just how big of an impact our little cinema has made", Beth adds.
“We’re a beating heart of the independent film community, a place run by filmmakers and film-lovers, born in the creative capital of Birmingham, and fighting to be a home for our local films and culture."
BIFA is giving independent cinema the appreciation it deserves, and to have Mockingbird be a part of that list is an achievement that reflects just how loved our independent cinema is.”
Nearly 50,000 votes were cast by cinemagoers across the UK. The five nominees will be announced on 3 November, with the winner revealed at the BIFA ceremony on Sunday 6 December 2026.
BIFA directors Amy Gustin and Deena Wallace said: “Tens of thousands of audience members voted and told us how much their local cinemas mean to them. Congratulations to Mockingbird Cinema for making it - this longlist for Cinema of the Year supported by Kia is a fantastic showcase of the exceptional cinemas up and down the UK that are - in the words of one voter - what community feels like.”
Mockingbird Cinema is an independent two-screen cinema, bar and café in the Custard Factory in Digbeth, Birmingham. Its programme includes themed events, Q&As, mystery movie nights and festival screenings alongside new releases, classics, world cinema and independent film.
For further information on the BIFA awards check out the latest updates here www.bifa.film/coty
Follow the cinema and find out all their latest cinema listings and events at www.mockingbirdcinema.com and Instagram
What audiences said during the public vote:
The films: “It shows everything you want to see and things you didn’t know you wanted to see.”
The staff: “The staff are super friendly and want to talk about films.”
The events: “Laughing til I cried watching Some Like it Hot with wine-tasting”
Comfort and value: “It has great snacks and comfy seats but doesn't charge you eye watering prices to get them.”
The bar: “Great films, great staff, great local beers - what's not to like!”
Access: “Efforts to make the cinema accessible to all including trialling headsets for hard of hearing.”
