SLUMDOG Millionaire, a film set in the Indian city of Mumbai, has won the top prize at the British Independent Film Awards (2008).

In receiving the accolade, Danny Boyle, who was also named best director, paid tribute to the “big heart” of the city, adding: “[It’s weird to win this at the end of what’s been a terrible week.”

Based on Vikas Swarup’s best selling novel, Q&A, the film tells the story of Jamal Malik, an 18-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who is about to experience the biggest day of his life. With the whole nation watching, he is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

But when the show breaks for the night, police arrest him on suspicion of cheating; how could a street kid know so much? It is up to him to prove his innocence.

Eighteen-year-old star Dev Patel (of Skins fame), also won the award for best newcomer.

Mumbai was rocked by terrorist attacks last week, which killed 172 people. And several stars paid tribute to the bravery of its people and predicted the city would bounce back from the carnage.

Sir Ben Kingsley, who once played Indian spiritual leader Gandhi, offered his condolences to Mumbai’s people, saying: “India will survive and move forward. They are a very resilient nation. But I really hope India can shake this off, because so many people want to be there and invest there and enjoy their industry and economy.”

The British Independent Film Awards (or BIFAs) were announced on Sunday, November 30 at Old Billingsgate Market in London.

Attending the ceremony, Johanna von Fischer and Tessa Collinson, BIFA co-directors, commented: “It’s been another stellar year for independent film in Britain. The diverse range of films nominated showcases an astounding lineup of talent both new and established that demands to be celebrated.”

Other winners

Political drama Hunger – which chronicles the events surrounding the IRA hunger strike led by Bobby Sands – took three prizes, with Michael Fassbender named best actor for his portrayal of Sands. Steve McQueen also took the Douglas Hickox Award for best debut director.

David Thewlis received an award for his outstanding contribution to British film, while his latest film, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, was recognised with a best actress prize for Vera Fermiga.

Hitman comedy In Bruges, which went into the evening with seven nominations, emerged with a prize for best screenplay, while Eddie Marsan and Alexis Zegerman were named best supporting actor and actress for Mike Leigh’s Happy-Go-Lucky, the tale of an optimistic North London school teacher.

Michael Sheen, who plays David Frost in the film adaptation of Frost/Nixon, was honoured with the Variety Award for bringing global recognition to the British film industry.

And best foreign film went to animated political documentary Waltz With Bashir.

The award winners in full:

BEST BRITISH INDEPENDENT FILM
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST DIRECTOR
Danny Boyle – Slumdog Millionaire

THE DOUGLAS HICKOX AWARD [BEST DEBUT DIRECTOR]
Steve McQueen – Hunger

BEST SCREENPLAY
Martin McDonagh – In Bruges

BEST ACTRESS
Vera Farmiga – The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

BEST ACTOR
Michael Fassbender – Hunger

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Alexis Zegerman – Happy-Go-Lucky

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Eddie Marsan – Happy-Go-Lucky

MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER
Dev Patel – Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION
The Escapist

RAINDANCE AWARD
Zebra Crossings

BEST TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
Cinematography – Anthony Dod Mantle – Slumdog Millionaire

BEST DOCUMENTARY
Man on Wire

BEST FOREIGN FILM
Waltz With Bashir

THE RICHARD HARRIS AWARD (for outstanding contribution to British Film)
David Thewlis

THE VARIETY AWARD
Michael Sheen

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