The British Independent Film Awards is an annual ceremony that recognises exceptional achievements of on and off-screen talents within the UK’s creative and cultural space.
By Helena Olori
Winners of the 2023 British Independent Film Awards were announced on Sunday, with several Nigerian-born talents shining bright at this year’s edition, which also marked the 26th edition.
Festival of Slaps, a short comedic drama that explores the misconceptions of African parenting and the clash of modern life, won the Best British Short Film.
The film, written and directed by Abdou Cissé, is about a Nigerian mother who slaps her son, Ade, so hard at a fancy restaurant where he and his parents conveyed to celebrate his graduation – much to the bewilderment of other guests – that his life flashes before his eyes and it changes his life forever.
Festival of Slaps stars Kemi Lofinmakin, Tom Moutchi, Femi Ogunjobi, and Josh Tedeku.
Also in the spotlight is Nigerian-British actress, Vivian Oparah, who clinched the award for Breakthrough Performance of the Year for her lead role as Yas in the British romantic comedy film, Rye Lane. The 26-year-old stage performer and screen actor outshone Le’ Shantey Bonsu (Girl), Mia McKenna-Bruce (How to Have Sex), Priya Kansara (Polite Society), and Lola Campbell (Scarpper) to win the title.
Nigerian-born London-based fashion stylist and costume designer, Buki Ebiesuwa, was awarded Best Costume Design for her work in the Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping-directed stylish thriller, Femme.
Ebiesuwa is known for her work with Nike, Adidas, and Apple, and has worked with notable directors such as Matthew Vaughn, Jonathan Glazer, Ringan Ledwidge, Nick Gordon, and Kibwe Tavares, amongst others.
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The British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), is an annual ceremony dedicated to advancing British independent cinema by recognising exceptional achievements of on and off-screen talents within the UK’s creative and cultural space.
Over its 25-year history, BIFA has championed innovative British films that nurtured emerging talents and actively connects independent films with diverse audiences, using its platform to promote exceptional stories across the UK.