British Independent Film Awards Unveils 2025 New Talent Longlists

The British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) has announced the longlists for its 2025 New Talent categories, showcasing 33 British documentary and fiction features from emerging filmmakers. This year, the longlists include a diverse array of talent, with categories featuring 12 first-time fiction feature directors, 13 first-time feature documentary directors, 16 first-time writers, and 16 breakthrough producers.

The nominees for each of these new talent categories will be revealed on November 3, while the winners will be honored at the 28th BIFA awards ceremony on November 30 at the Roundhouse in Camden.

Highlighting Emerging Filmmakers

Among the notable entries for the Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director, several promising directors have been recognized. Stroma Cairns for The Son and the Sea, Laura Carreira for On Falling, and Ronan Corrigan for LifeHack are just a few of the filmmakers vying for this prestigious award. Other contenders include Akinola Davies Jr for My Father’s Shadow and Harris Dickinson for Urchin.

The Breakthrough Producer category, sponsored by Pinewood & Shepperton Studios, features a strong lineup as well. Notable producers include Wyn Baptiste for Shoot the People, Helena Berndl for In Symbiosis, and Polly Creed for Holloway. Each of these individuals is contributing significantly to the landscape of independent film in the UK.

Acknowledging Writing Talent

The Best Debut Screenwriter category, supported by Film4, also showcases exceptional new talent. Hunter Andrews and Eoin Doran have been nominated for their work on Wasteman, while Tom Basden and Tim Key are recognized for The Ballad of Wallis Island. Other screenwriters include Laura Carreira for On Falling and Wale Davies for My Father’s Shadow.

In the Best Debut Director – Feature Documentary category, a range of innovative projects is highlighted. Myrid Carten’s A Want in Her Deadhorses and Jessi Gutch’s Blue Has No Borders exemplify the creativity driving this year’s selections.

The BIFA longlists reflect an exciting moment for British cinema, showcasing fresh voices and original stories that are set to captivate audiences. With the announcement of nominees just around the corner, anticipation is building for the awards ceremony and the recognition of these talented filmmakers.