Episodes

  • Romola Garai talks feminist horror, Atonement, and balancing filmmaking with motherhood
    Oct 29 2026

    Romola Garai is in the house!


    The BIFA nominated actor joins us to talk moving from acting into directing, watching The Piano too young, and balancing filmmaking with motherhood.


    Romola is currently starring in Adultery on ITVX


    Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.


    FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIAL


    Instagram - @BIFA_film

    TikTok - @BIFA_film


    ABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST


    Each week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.


    ABOUT BIFA


    The British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film


    CREDITS

    Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter

    Produced by the BIFA Team

    Audio Engineer: Itzel Gonzalez Estrada

    Recorded at Bleat Post Production

    Music: “Make It Happen”

    Performed by Laura Welsh

    Written by Jimmy James and Laura Welsh

    Licensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/Screenwrk

    Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Naomi Ackie talks I Love Boosters, Clayface and locking in for Twilight Season
    Oct 14 2026

    Naomi Ackie is in the house!


    We sat down with the star of I Love Boosters and Clayface to chat about her journey into the industry from starring in the BIFA-winning Lady Macbeth alongside Florence Pugh, to getting cast in Star Wars just as she was ready to quit acting.


    Also discussed: playing musicals in your mind on long train journeys, the importance of sharing snacks in the cinema, and dating two Robert Pattinson clones on Mickey 17.


    Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.


    FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIAL

    Instagram - @BIFA_film

    TikTok - @BIFA_film

    X - @BIFA_film


    ABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST


    Each week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.


    ABOUT BIFA


    The British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film

    —

    CREDITS

    Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter

    Produced by the BIFA Team

    Audio Engineer: Itzel Gonzalez Estrada

    Recorded at Bleat Post Production

    Music: “Make It Happen”

    Performed by Laura Welsh

    Written by Jimmy James and Laura Welsh

    Licensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/Screenwrk

    Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Douglas Booth on The Blame, why audiences still love LOL, and being obsessed with Gladiator
    Oct 1 2026

    Douglas has entered the Booth!

    This week on The BIFA Podcast, we speak to Douglas Booth about coming up through the independent film, his childhood obsession with the Gladiator, and his current starring role in The Blame alongside Michelle Keegan.

    Watch The Blame now on ITVX!

    Also discussed: The legacy of The Riot Club, how Loving Vincent was made, and why teenage girls everywhere remain obsessed with LOL.

    Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.

    Catch Susan in Enola Holmes 3, now streaming on Netflix.

    FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIAL

    Instagram - @BIFA_film

    TikTok - @BIFA_film

    X - @BIFA_film

    ABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST

    Each week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.

    ABOUT BIFA

    The British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film

    —

    CREDITS

    Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter

    Produced by the BIFA Team

    Recorded at Bleat Post Production

    Music: “Make It Happen”

    Performed by Laura Welsh

    Written by Jimmy James and Laura Welsh

    Licensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/Screenwrk

    Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Kiell Smith-Bynoe talks Ghosts, Wicker, and why we need more purely silly independent films
    Sep 16 2026

    Becky what? 👻

    Kiell Smith Bynoe is this week’s guest on The BIFA Podcast supported by Kia, and he’s here to talk Wicker, Ghosts, Stath Lets Flats, and why independent film needs to stay silly.

    Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.

    VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE CINEMA: https://www.bifa.film/coty-vote/

    FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIAL

    Instagram - @BIFA_film

    TikTok - @BIFA_film

    X - @BIFA_film

    ABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST

    Each week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.

    ABOUT BIFA

    The British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film

    —

    CREDITS

    Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter

    Produced by the BIFA Team

    Audio Engineer: Itzel Gonzalez Estrada

    Recorded at Bleat Post Production

    Music: “Make It Happen”

    Performed by Laura Welsh

    Written by Jimmy James and Laura Welsh

    Licensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/Screenwrk

    Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • George Mackay on Sense and Sensibility, interrogating masculinity, and avoiding 'algorithmic fluff’
    Sep 2 2026

    Me oh my, it’s George Mackay!


    This week’s guest on The BIFA Podcast is a bonafide British Indie star, known for his work in Pride, Femme, Captain Fantastic, True History of The Kelly Gang and Sense and Sensibility!


    We sat down with the BIFA winning Actor to talk about the films that shaped his taste, why Jane Austen is more relevant than ever, and what needs to change in the film industry.


    Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.


    VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE CINEMA: https://www.bifa.film/coty-vote/


    FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIAL


    Instagram - @BIFA_film

    TikTok - @BIFA_film

    X - @BIFA_film


    ABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST

    Each week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.


    ABOUT BIFA

    The British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film

    —

    CREDITS


    Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter

    Produced by the BIFA Team

    Audio Engineer: Itzel Gonzalez Estrada

    Recorded at Bleat Post Production


    Music: “Make It Happen”

    Performed by Laura Welsh

    Written by Jimmy James and Laura Welsh

    Licensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/Screenwrk

    Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Cinematographer Seamus McGarvey on shooting Atonement, Die My Love & We Need to Talk About Kevin
    Aug 5 2026

    Oscar nominee and Cinematographer extraodinaire Seamus McGarvey is this week’s guest on The BIFA Podcast!


    We talked through Seamus’s career behind the camera, working on the likes of Atonement, We Need to Talk about Kevin, Die My Love and Nowhere Boy.


    Also discussed: The lost art of film lighting, 50 Shades of Grey, and scrubbing credits off IMDB…


    Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.


    FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIAL


    Instagram - @BIFA_film

    TikTok - @BIFA_film

    X - @BIFA_film


    ABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST

    Each week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.


    ABOUT BIFA

    The British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film


    —

    CREDITS


    Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter

    Produced by the BIFA Team

    Audio Engineer: Itzel Gonzalez Estrada

    Recorded at Bleat Post Production


    Music: “Make It Happen”

    Performed by Laura Welsh

    Written by Jimmy James and Laura Welsh

    Licensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/Screenwrk

    Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • James McAvoy talks working class stereotypes on screen, winning a BIFA for Filth, and Mr Tumnus
    Jul 22 2026

    James McAvoy is this week’s guest on The BIFA Podcast supported by Kia!


    We sat down with the man himself to chat about his directorial debut California Schemin', representing working class stories on screen and what he's learnt from working with some of the best crews and directors in the game.


    Also featured: An insane camera trick involving tights on Atonement, the psychology behind his terrifying performance in Split, and asking the very important question: will anyone ever match Mr Tumnus' freak?


    Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.


    FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIAL


    Instagram - @BIFA_film

    TikTok - @BIFA_film

    X - @BIFA_film


    ABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST

    Each week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.


    ABOUT BIFA

    The British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film


    —

    CREDITS


    Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter

    Produced by the BIFA Team

    Audio Engineer: Itzel Gonzalez Estrada

    Recorded at Bleat Post Production


    Music: “Make It Happen”

    Performed by Laura Welsh

    Written by Jimmy James and Laura Welsh

    Licensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/Screenwrk

    Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd


    Chapters


    00:00 Intro and welcome

    01:32 California Schemin'

    05:49 Avoiding 'poverty p*rn' on screen

    12:33 Scottish accents and industry bias

    18:00 The best advice for directors: learning from Joe Wright

    25:47 Why the first AD is everything in a crew

    33:56 Filth and winning a BIFA

    39:12 Kneecap and California Schemin' are not the same!

    41:06 How James McAvoy became an actor

    43:29 Teaching Andy Serkis how to do a Scottish accent

    45:57 Split and the anatomy of being terrifying

    53:01 Why Horror is having a moment

    54:40 Mr Tumnus & Greta Gerwig's Narnia

    56:14 Quickfire



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Tahar Rahim talks Ken Loach, A Prophet, and sneaking into the cinema without a ticket
    Jul 8 2026

    Tahar Rahim is in the house!


    We sat down this one-of-a-kind actor to talk sneaking into the cinema without a ticket, his stunning breakout performance in A Prophet, and his love of Ken Loach films.


    Tahar is currently starring in Prisoner, now available on Sky


    Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.


    FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIAL


    Instagram - @BIFA_film

    TikTok - @BIFA_film

    X - @BIFA_film


    ABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST

    Each week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.


    ABOUT BIFA

    The British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film


    —

    CREDITS


    Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter

    Produced by the BIFA Team

    Filmed at Bleat Post Production


    Music: “Make It Happen”

    Performed by Laura Welsh

    Written by Jimmy James and Laura Welsh

    Licensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/Screenwrk

    Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins