Bristol’s iconic Watershed film and digital media centre has been shortlisted for UK Cinema of the Year 2016 at the prestigious Screen Awards, which showcase excellence in film distribution, exhibition and marketing in the UK film industry.
The nomination recognises an exceptional 12 months for Watershed in which its innovation has kept it at the leading edge of UK independent cinema and emerging media. 
It is one of just 12 cinemas in the ‘24 screens or under’ category which honours the cinema that has most engaged with audiences and film distributors in new and improved ways.
Staff at Watershed – which has been curating a diverse programme of talent development, cinema exhibition, events and festivals for the past 34 years – are thrilled with the shortlisting. They will now go head-to-head against venues such as Manchester’s HOME and the Edinburgh Filmhouse at the awards ceremony in October.
Over the past year Watershed has developed its offer for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, introducing Deaf Conversations About Cinema events, training staff in deaf awareness and Basic BSL (British Sign Language), hosting a BSL Celebration Day and embedding deaf access into the whole programme.
Last year it invested in Bristol’s growing population of diverse young people by introducing a new, young person’s ticket allowing anyone aged 24 or under to see any film, on any day, at any time, for just £4.50.
Watershed also collaborates with young people to produce programmes and launched Rife Magazine – Bristol’s online magazine created by young people for young people. Shamil Ahmed, a 23-year-old former Rife content creator, sits on Watershed’s Board.
And last month Watershed launched Cinema Rediscovered, the UK’s first festival dedicated to restorations of classic film. With a huge programme of digital restorations, early cinema rarities and contemporary classics, it proved an audience hit and plans for next year’s edition are already afoot.
Watershed cinema curator Mark Cosgrove said: “As an independent cinema it is rewarding to be recognised for our work and contribution to developing UK audiences for films across the globe.
“We are thrilled to be among such a formidable peer group and look forward to being part of this event, which recognises the contribution of important – but often overlooked – sectors from the film industry.”
Judges include industry experts from Film4, Curzon Cinemas and BBC Films. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony The Brewery, London, on October 20.
