POOLE’s only independent cinema at the Lighthouse arts centre, which has doubled its audience in the last two years, has entered this year’s second British Independent Film Awards’ (BIFA) Cinema of the Year award.
“Lighthouse is proud to be Poole’s only independent cinema, audiences have been visiting it in record numbers, and we’d love them to vote for us!” says Lighthouse chief executive Elspeth McBain. The closing date for voting is 21st September.
“Being independent means we’re able to react quickly to what our audiences want and over the last year we have made our programme even more distinctive – with a new Family Films season funded by Film Hub South West, the screening of newly restored cult classics, the forthcoming RIP IT UP season of youth culture films, and hand-picked choices from Lighthouse staff in our Team Pics season.
“We also pride ourselves on a personal and warm welcome from our team and we have recently renovated our Cinema bar, making it a great place to meet with friends before the film.”
Lighthouse cinema-goers can cast their vote at www.bifa.film/coty-vote. The long list is announced on 13th October. Five nominees will be revealed on 3rd November, alongside the rest of BIFA’s 2026 Awards nominees. A jury of cinema professionals will decide the winner, to be revealed live at the BIFA ceremony on Sunday 6th December, at the Roundhouse.
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, while celebrating the hardworking teams behind the screens and the loyal audiences who support them.”
© Jayne Jackson Photography