“All of Us Strangers” and “How to build a Girl” Triumph at British autonomous Film Awards
London – Andrew Haigh’s “All of Us Strangers” claimed the top prize for Best Independent Film at the 2023 British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) ceremony held Sunday evening, while “How to Build a Girl” earned Best Screenplay and Best Performance for its star, Emma mackey. The awards, recognizing achievement in British independent filmmaking, spotlight emerging and established talent within the industry.
The BIFAs, founded in 1998, serve as a crucial platform for celebrating creativity and innovation outside of mainstream studio productions. This year’s wins for “All of Us Strangers” and ”How to Build a Girl” underscore a trend toward critically acclaimed, character-driven narratives gaining prominence. The awards not only honor the filmmakers and actors involved but also contribute to the visibility and future funding opportunities for independent projects in the UK.
Sophie Okonedo was recognized with the Variety Award, while Jessie Buckley received the Filmmaker in Residence Award. The ceremony,hosted by comedians Lou Sanders and Harriet Kemsley,featured presentations by Carey Mulligan,Stephen Merchant,Ruth Wilson,Billy Crudup,and Celia Imrie.
Past winners of the Best independent Film award include “Kneecap,” a semi-autobiographical story of Irish-language rappers, and the Oscar-winning film ”The Favorite.”