Mockingbird Cinema in Digbeth has been longlisted for the British Independent Film Awards’ Cinema of the Year award.
The independent two-screen venue in Birmingham’s Custard Factory is one of 15 cinemas on the UK longlist. The final five nominees are due to be announced on 3 November, with the winner revealed on Sunday 6 December 2026.
The cinema’s programme includes independent films, world cinema, new releases and classics. It works with local filmmaker network Reel Brum and hosts Forward Film Festival.
In its announcement, the cinema highlighted comments submitted during the award’s public vote about its films, staff, events and support for people making films locally.
Lee Nabbs said: “For local filmmakers, having somewhere to show your work and meet people you can work with matters.”
He thanked those who had voted and the staff involved in running the cinema’s screenings and events.
Beth Larby said being longlisted had highlighted the relationship between the venue and its community, and the importance of a local home for independent films and culture.
Nearly 50,000 votes were cast across the UK competition, according to the announcement. That figure is the national total, not the number of votes received by Mockingbird.
The cinema is on the longlist, rather than the final shortlist, and no winner has yet been announced.