Announcing the Midlands Movies Awards 2021
midlandsmovies • February 2, 2021
Hi there!
As most people know, in January of each year our Midlands Movies Awards are well underway with our jury deep in contemplation over the many fantastic films submitted. But in 2021 it’s had to be a bit different and we want to share our latest news update with you all…
What are we planning?
Well, we all know the challenges faced in the last 12 months, but to give the awards ceremony the best chance of occurring we delayed our regular March event until later in the year. (Click here for full announcement)
So, in place of a crowdfunding campaign to cover costs beforehand, we’ve decided to put the event planning on hold but still get things moving by opening the awards to filmmakers as quick as possible.
When and where can I submit my film?
With the above in mind, we’re therefore incredibly excited to announce on Friday 12th February we will open for submissions for the Midlands Movies Awards 2021 via FilmFreeway here
What are the rules?
We’ve tweaked the terms slightly to ensure there is even more focus on the Midlands (based on where a film was shot), yet we’ve also expanded the eligibility dates to take into account the delay. For details please click here for full terms & conditions
How much does it cost?
We do not want to add any extra barriers given this difficult time so we’re happy to share the news that submissions will be FREE for another year.
Will an event happen?
We very much hope so! FilmFreeway does require a mandatory date to announce the winners so we’ve chosen one as a holding date for the event, but please keep in mind that this is very much provisional based on how things develop in the region owing to Covid.
Who’s on the jury panel?
As in previous years, we’ll be announcing our exciting and experienced jury panel members during the submission window. You’ll find the latest updates on our social media channels (Facebook
& Twitter) as well as the official awards page on our website.
And finally…
We appreciate everyone’s tremendous patience and understanding during a tough year and we will do our upmost to guarantee the best and smoothest awards we can for all filmmakers.
Thanks for reading and do put a reminder in your diaries for the opening date, because we absolutely cannot wait to see the wealth of inspiring films from the Midlands once more!
Michael Sales
Editor, Midlands Movies
On Sunday 26th April Midlands Movies Editor Michael Sales & awards ceremony co-host Ed Stagg (BBC Radio) announced the nominations for the 2026 Midlands Movies Awards live from the Queen of Bradgate Vintage Cinema in Leicester. A big thanks was given to the entire Jury Panel of industry experts who gave up their precious time to watch a huge selection of creative projects and as always, had a difficult time choosing from the excellent number of films from the region. You can read the full list of nominations across all 16 categories below and watch our announcement videos here: Part 1 & Part 2 And please also check out our great awards partner Chrome Video Best Actress in a Leading Role Karendip Phull for Family Kate Bracken for The Lace Rachel Baker for Throwing Fruit Chloe Wade for How Long Sophie Bullock for Ma Prison Best Animated Film Of All the Things by Steff Lee Big Red by James Pyle Statue in the Garden by Qianhui Yu Butterfly by Jacob Christie Best Director Luke Worrall for The Waterline Lily Portman for Quiet Jack Richardson for Daniel’s Room Jonathan Hawes for Sorry We’re Closed Sophia Dall'Aglio for Man from Mars Best Documentary Nothing's Impossible by Jacob Thomas McClean A Birmingham Symphony by Jemma Saunders We Bring Light: Leicester's Diwali Legacy by Kieran Vyas The Sunshine Café by Jill Lampert Through the Viewfinder by William North Best Sound (Editing or Mixing) Neil Evans & his team for Artificial Insanity Alasdair Gretton for Dead on Distribution Deepanjali Patel for Earworm David Hamilton-Smith for The Pause Heidi Wilson for Of All The Things Best Actor in a Supporting Role Devon Junior for Lazar Tim Sparrow for Safety Net Shaiek Ahmed Rana for Family Luke Rollason for Quiet Peter Willoughby for A Story of Spring Best Visual & Special Effects Jake Wesley-Worrall for Soul Trader Steve Askey & team for The Correction Unit Nick Willett, Matt Burkey & Jayne Hyman for Black Goat JaqD SFX MUA, Mind Magic Studios and Ben Harker for Beyond the Witching Hour Jacob Christie for Countenance Best Cinematography Gary Rogers for The Pause Laurence Mason-Guetta for Sorry We’re Closed Ian Snape for Soul Trader Ash Connaughton for Daniel’s Room Duane Adamoli for Surfing (nominations continue below...)
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