When the British Independent Film Awards recently unveiled its list of 2025 nominees , there were cheers from within the U.K. industry over the number of first-time filmmakers dominating the categories. Akinola Davies Jr’s “My Father’s Shadow” and Harry Lighton’s “Pillion” — both feature debuts — led the pack of nominated films, while there was also plenty of love for actor-turned-filmmaker Harris Dickinson’s “Urchin” and Laura Carreira’s “On Falling.”

Whichever way the trophies are handed out at the BIFAs ceremony this Sunday at London’s Roundhouse, having so many newcomers battling for the top gongs of best British independent film, best director and best screenplay fits right in the BIFA wheelhouse of supporting rising talent right at the start of their careers.

But amid the celeb

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