The Penistone Paramount has been voted one of the 15 best cinemas in the UK in the British Independent Film Awards’ (BIFA) Cinema of the Year award, supported by Kia UK.

Over 70 cinemas entered and nearly 50,000 votes were cast by cinemagoers up and down the UK. The five nominees will be announced on November 3 with the full BIFA nominations, with the winner revealed at the annual ceremony on Sunday, December 6.

Nothing is quite like the communal experience of watching a film on the big screen. This audience-voted BIFA award celebrates exceptional cinemas around the country that are at the heart of their communities, bringing audiences together and spotlighting independent film. 

Brian Barnsley, Facilities and Programming Manager at the Penistone Paramount, commented:
“We’d like to thank all our friends, customers, and suppliers who voted for us. We’re absolutely thrilled to be on the long list, and we wish every other cinema on it good luck.”

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 Penistone Paramount 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.”

Steve Hicks, Marketing Director at Kia UK Ltd, commented:
“Congratulations to everyone at the Penistone Paramount on being selected as one of just 15 cinemas on the longlist for BIFA's Cinema of the Year award. This recognition reflects the dedication, passion and hard work required to champion independent cinema and create meaningful experiences for audiences in your local community. At Kia, we are passionate about independent film and the venues that bring it to life. Supporting independent cinemas allows us to connect with audiences in a powerful, human way, at the heart of communities across the UK, while celebrating creativity, accessibility and inclusive storytelling. We are proud to continue our partnership with BIFA and wish all of the longlisted cinemas the very best of luck as the competition progresses.”

Kia UK has been championing independent cinemas and their communities since 2022 and is a proud supporter of independent cinema and the screening of independent films. As well as supporting The BIFA Podcast, Kia is proud to continue its commitment to independent cinemas by re-partnering with BIFA on the second ever Cinema of the Year award, an exciting award where local communities can celebrate their favourite UK cinemas.

More information here.

13 October 2026 | Penistone, South Yorkshire