Founder of both the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) and The Raindance Film Festival, Elliot Grove delves into his past and lets t5m in on how it all began.

‘Back in ‘92 there were very few films made in the UK, maybe 5 or 6 feature films and I noticed the shift in British film-making. We used to have a great industry here, 200-250 films a year…but everyone had moved into television and they sort of forgot how to make movies…’ As a consequence of this and due to the clear lack of a proper showcase, Grove seized his opportunity.

Surprised by the continuing success of both events, Grove is proud to be a part of it all still but things were not always easy. With only weeks to go before the first ever BIFA, Grove was summoned to a meeting with the various Guilds and Unions who informed him that it was their place, not his, to put on such an event. But knowing they had done nothing about it except talk about the possibility for ten years and being head-strong he took no notice.

When identifying an independent film, it’s a bit like a blue elephant, you know what it is when you see it but to describe it is almost an impossible task. However, Grove remains clear, ‘Our films are passionate stories told by incredibly skilled film-makers – most of them with no previous experience and these stories deserve an audience and by their very nature.’

The purpose of both of these events is transparent – both provide the perfect pedestal on which these films have a rare opportunity to reach out and touch the world.

Hannah Berry