Scotland’s first purpose-built cinema longlisted for BIFA Cinema of the Year 2026
The Hippodrome in Bo’ness, Scotland’s first purpose-built cinema, has been longlisted for Cinema of the Year at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), joining just 14 other cinemas across the UK.
Opened in 1912, the much-loved single-screen venue is run by Falkirk Council and combines more than a century of cinema history with a programme of mainstream and independent films, special events and Scotland’s only festival of silent cinema with live music - HippFest, held annually in March.
The recognition comes as the Hippodrome continues to bring audiences from near and far to Bo’ness, offering everything from big blockbusters and archive classics, to chocolate taste-along screenings featuring bespoke creations from a local chocolatier.
The cinema is home to HippFest, which sold almost 4,000 tickets at its 16th edition in March 2026. The Festival welcomed audiences from across Scotland, the wider UK and overseas, with more than a fifth of its audience staying for multiple nights - drawn to Bo’ness by the Festival’s wide-ranging and accessible programme.
Alongside its international appeal, the Hippodrome remains closely connected to the local community. Its screenings of historic Bo’ness Fair footage include films captured by the cinema’s original proprietor, Louis Dickson, preserving a tradition that stretches back more than 100 years.
Councillor Paul Garner, Acting Leader of Falkirk Council, said:
Being named among just 15 cinemas across the UK in the running for this award is a fantastic achievement for the Hippodrome and a proud moment for Bo’ness.
“The cinema holds a special place in the town, with generations of local people sharing memories of visits there. Today, it also brings visitors from across the world to our area through HippFest.
“This recognition reflects the work of the team and the support of the audiences, volunteers and local partners who help the Hippodrome thrive.
Since reopening in 2009, the Category A listed cinema has developed a programme that encourages audiences of all ages to discover something new. Its New Found Sound initiative gives young musicians the opportunity to create and perform live scores for archive silent films.
Affordable screenings and accessible experiences are also central to its approach, with £5 Monday morning ‘cuppa’ screenings and free tickets for unpaid carers through the Respitality initiative. The Hippodrome also takes part in Escapes, a nationwide initiative offering free cinema screenings to make film accessible to all, supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding.
Alison Strauss, Arts Development Officer, said:
One of the best things about the Hippodrome is seeing people come together to share a film, then stay to talk about what they’ve watched. That might be a new independent release, a silent film with live music or archive footage featuring familiar local faces.
“We work hard to make audiences feel at home here and to earn their trust so that people can be confident enough to try something they might not otherwise have chosen. Our programme grows out of those relationships, with local people and partners helping to shape what happens on screen and around it.
“To have the Hippodrome included in BIFA’s Cinema of the Year longlist is a wonderful recognition of that work and everyone who contributes to it.
The Hippodrome will now await the announcement of the five shortlisted cinemas, with the date still to be confirmed.
For more information about the Hippodrome and its programme, visit the Hippodrome website.
NOTES TO EDITORS
For media enquiries, please contact Alison Strauss – Arts Development Officer ( Film and Media) – Falkirk Council – alison.strauss@falkirk.gov.uk
Mob: 07921 942230