Introducing… the UK’s newest major film award

For the first time in 2007, UK regional journalists will be invited to participate in a dedicated ‘film of the year’ award. Critics, writers, broadcasters and editors working in UK regional media, whether staff or freelance, are all entitled to vote.

The UK is the world’s no. 3 market for cinema (no. 2 market for film overall, after the US). This new accolade will give the regional critics a distinctive, collective voice in the annual film awards season. Over time, the new ‘film of the year’ will build into a prestigious honour of its own, part of the build up to the major international awards such as the Orange British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) and the Oscars®.

See 2007 Golden Globe Nominations at www.hfpa.org/news/id/42

Here are just a few of the fine films that may be in contention over the coming weeks – many with significant British involvement:

Categories
There will be four categories in which to vote:

1) Film of the Year: The UK regional critics’ film of the year may be a live action or animated feature film of any genre from any country of origin.

But to qualify, it must have received a UK theatrical release between 1 January 2006 – 28 February 2007.
A full release schedule is available at www.launchingfilms.com.

The award will celebrate overall excellence and achievement in filmmaking. When voting opens, journalists will be asked to state their top 3 preferences.

2) Filmmaker of the Year: Which man or woman, director, producer or other technician, made the most outstanding contribution behind the cameras?

3) Performance of the Year: Which actor or actress, of any nationality, made the greatest contribution in front of the cameras?

4) Newcomer of the Year: Which actor or actress, of any nationality, caught your eye for the very first time this year? Probably, though not necessarily, under 30 years of age.

Procedure
Voting will take place online only at www.cinemadays.com.

Voting will open at 12.00 noon on Friday 12 January 2007 and close at 12.00 noon on Tuesday 30 January 2007.

The next FDA Cinema Days event for UK regional film journalists takes place on 25–28 January 2007. Full programme/registration details will be posted in due course at www.cinemadays.com.

The film of the year, and the winners in the other three categories, will be notified under embargo to UK media in advance of the publication date in early February 2007. There will be no award ceremony or dinner event, but a certificate or trophy will be sent in recognition to each winner.

If you’re a professional writer/critic in UK regional media, please take part and cast your votes, and help get the new regional accolade off to a flying start!

Cast your vote here from 12 January 2007!

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