A new film award from UK regional critics

UK REGIONAL CRITICS VOTE FOR THEIR FILM OF THE YEAR
ANNUAL FILM AWARDS TO BE LAUNCHED AT JANUARY 2007 ‘CINEMA DAYS’ EVENT
8 January 2007 – It was announced today by Cinema Days that UK regional film journalists are to vote for their film of the year. The new accolade – “The UK Regional Critics’ Film Awards” – will give all regional journalists, including critics, writers and editors, staff or freelance, the opportunity to vote and participate in these dedicated awards. The awards will be officially launched at the upcoming Cinema Days media trade event, taking place from 25–28 January 2007 in Central Milton Keynes.
“The UK Regional Critics’ Film Awards” comprises five categories: Film of the Year celebrating overall excellence and achievement in filmmaking; Filmmaker of the Year which will be presented to any director or other technician who has made the most outstanding contribution behind the cameras; Performance of the Year going to both an Actor and Actress of any nationality who have made the greatest impression in front of the camera; and Newcomer of the Year to be awarded to any performer making an outstanding impact for the first time in 2006.
Voting will take place online at www.cinemadays.com and will open at 12.00 noon GMT on Friday 12 January 2007 and close at 12.00 noon GMT on Tuesday 30 January 2007. Results of the vote will be announced to the winners and media in early February 2007. Regional press attending January’s Cinema Days event will also be able to vote from the mobile media centre on site.
Peter Scott, Co-ordinator of Cinema Days, stated, “We are proud to be associated with these awards and look forward to receiving the votes from the UK regional film journalists. We would urge any member of the regional press to sign up online and get voting.”
Kevin Bourke, entertainment writer for the Manchester Evening News, commented, “I am thrilled that these awards acknowledge the capacity of regional media to offer informed and entertaining judgements to large audiences of local cinemagoers. “
Mike Polanyk, entertainment editor of the Leicester Mercury, commented, “A film of the year and other honours resulting from the independently cast votes of the widespread community of regional journalists will be highly authoritative. Hopefully our selections for 2006 will add some fresh sparks to an already buzzing awards season.”
Mark Batey, Chief Executive of Film Distributors’ Association, the trade body for the distributors which preview their releases to the regional media at Cinema Days, added, “The UK is one of the most valuable theatrical markets in the world and three-quarters of UK admissions take place outside London. The industry appreciates the importance of regional media and we await with keen interest the results of their first film awards.”

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