Miraban UK Film Awards spotlight diversity in low-budget independent film
MiraBan UK Film Awards champion underrepresented voices and bring a packed programme of accessible, diverse events, with affordable ticketing to encourage all to get involved.
- Dates: 7th and 8th December, 11.30am-9pm
- Venue: Ealing Picturehouse
In conversation with Jay Manari
We chatted to Jay Manari, Festival Director and Founder to find out more about this brilliant film festival in the heart of Ealing.
Tell us about the festival
Founded in 2018, the MiraBan UK Film Awards aims to spotlight diversity in low-budget independent films, focusing on auteur-driven stories that champion underrepresented voices. Our festival celebrates storytelling by providing a platform for both emerging and seasoned filmmakers to share their unique visions with an audience that values creativity and innovation. We are self-funded and audience-supported, with partial funding from the BFI Film Audience Network this year.
We have formed valuable partnerships to secure funding for more independent short films and to create additional opportunities for cast and crew members. Furthermore, our expanding sister company, StreamAuteur, is committed to original art-house narratives and collaborates with BIFA Qualifying film festivals, including the Edinburgh Short Film Festival.
How will MiraBan help the next generation of filmmakers?
This festival is designed to be a springboard for independent filmmakers, whether they’re newcomers or seasoned creators, providing a vital platform for sharing their work, gaining industry insights, and earning deserved recognition. Audiences today are often saturated with a particular storytelling approach on the big screen, making it increasingly difficult for independent films to break through and be fairly represented. Our events, like screenings, panel discussions, and Q&As with industry professionals, foster a supportive environment where talent can learn, network, and grow. By giving these filmmakers visibility and a chance to connect with an appreciative audience, we’re helping them make that crucial leap in their careers.
Who are you hoping to engage with and why?
We want to connect with passionate film enthusiasts, students, industry insiders, and anyone who believes in the power of cinema to inspire change. By reaching a diverse audience, we’re cultivating a space that celebrates both creators and viewers. This engagement goes beyond the festival; it’s about building a community where ideas, cultures, and stories intersect, and where everyone involved feels part of something bigger.
Why is Ealing the right place for the festival?
Ealing has a rich cinematic heritage, often called the “Queen of the Suburbs” for its strong community spirit, iconic film studios, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
Hosting the festival here feels like honouring that legacy while also giving it a fresh, modern twist. This area is a blend of history, diversity, and creativity—qualities that resonate perfectly with our festival’s ethos. Bringing the festival to Ealing feels like reconnecting with cinema’s roots while pushing forward into a more inclusive future.
What positive impact would you expect this to have for people in the borough?
We aim to inspire Ealing residents, particularly younger generations, by bringing a vibrant cultural event right to their community, sparking pride in and excitement for the local arts scene. Accessibility is a priority, which is why we offer affordable festival passes — just £16 for two days of screenings and Q&As, and as little as £12 for students.
The festival provides an invaluable opportunity for aspiring filmmakers from Ealing and nearby areas to witness the possibilities within the film industry up close. With access to industry professionals who are available for mentoring, plus the thrill of a red-carpet reception and an awards ceremony, it’s an event that could very well be the launchpad for many creative journeys.
What else can film lovers and budding filmmakers look out for?
This year, we’re thrilled to present an outstanding selection of LGBTQIA+ films alongside powerful narratives focused on mental health—issues that are so often overlooked in daily life. Our lineup also includes moving documentaries, from stories on the impact of anti-gay laws in Great Britain and their effects on the gay community to films that cast a light on the consequences of climate change for dolphin populations.
Our awards ceremony, happening on December 8th—Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day—will proudly feature rainbow flags in celebration. On December 7th, we’re hosting an exciting, VIP access networking expo with local production companies, casting agencies, and industry professionals offering one-on-one mentoring. Attendees can also dive deeper through engaging panels and Q&As with directors, producers, and cast members to gain unique insights into the filmmaking process.
This year, we’re also providing complimentary tickets for student refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring that everyone, regardless of circumstance, can experience the festival and be inspired by the power of film.
A truly passionate and inspirational interview. Amazing to see such thought and consideration to make the festival as accessible as possible for as many as possible.
Thank you to Jay Manari for their time.
