Created in 1998 by Raindance founder Elliot Grove, The British Independent Film Awards set out to celebrate merit and achievement in independently funded filmmaking.
‘Frank’ follows wannabe musician Jon (Domhnall Gleeson), who discovers he's bitten off more than he can chew when he joins a band of eccentric pop musicians led by the mysterious and enigmatic Frank (Michael Fassbender) and his terrifying sidekick Clara (Maggie Gyllenhaal).
‘Frank’ has been nominated in the following categories:
- Best Director – Lenny Abrahamson
- Best Screenplay – Jon Ronson & Peter Straughan
- Best Supporting Actor – Michael Fassbender
- Best Supporting Actress – Maggie Gyllenhaal
- Technical Achievement – Music (Stephen Rennicks)
Speaking about the nomination, Abrahamson commented: ‘I’m delighted for everyone involved in ‘Frank’ that it’s getting such an endorsement from the BIFA and honored to be nominated for Best Director.’
Producers are Ed Guiney, David Barron and Stevie Lee. Executive producers are Tessa Ross, Katherine Butler and Andrew Lowe. Financiers are Film4, the BFI and The Irish Film Board.
To date ‘Frank’ has sold to UK (Artificial Eye), USA (Magnolia), Canada (Magnolia/VSC), Korea (JinJin), Japan (Nettai Museum), Australia and New Zealand (Madman), Italy (I Wonder), Scandinavia (Non Stop), Benelux (Wild Bunch), CIS (Cinema Prestige), Portugal (Lusomundo), Turkey (Bir Film), Israel (Lev Film), Poland (Gutek Film), Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia (ACFK/Mozinet), Belgium & Netherlands (WildBunch), France (KMBO), Spain (Alimpro), Middle East (Front Row) and Singapore (PT Parkit).
Other Irish nominations at the BIFA include four nominations for ‘Calvary’ in the categories of Best Director and Best Screenplay for John Michael McDonagh and Best Actor for Brendan Gleeson while the film has been nominated for 'Best Film'. Meanwhile, Robbie Ryan was nominated in the Best Technical Achievement category for his work in ‘Catch Me Daddy’ while Andrew Scott landed a Best Supporting Actor nod for his work in ‘Pride’.
The winners will be announced at the 17th BIFA awards ceremony to be held on Sunday 7th December in central London.
