FILM4 cemented its position as the leading light in British filmmaking when it amassed no less than 10 British Independent Film Awards at Sunday’s ceremony (November 30, 2008) – but success came with a warning.

Given the economic uncertainty facing Britain and the rest of Europe, securing financing for future filmmaking may prove even more difficult than it has been before.

And Tessa Ross, Head of Film4, was keen to emphasise the dangers that lie ahead even when celebrating her company’s BIFA success.

The overall winner on the night was Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire (pictured), a film that Ms Ross almost single handedly constructed from an unpublished novel, developing the script with her chosen writer Simon Beaufoy (The Full Monty) and then bringing in all the key players, such as director Boyle.

The film, which opens in the UK in January, went on to claim three awards on the night, including best film, best director and best newcomer for Dev Patel.

But without champions like Ms Ross, British film will be under serious threat as its infrastructure remains fragile.

“This is a vital moment for Film4,” commented Ms Ross at the ceremony. “Tonight has proven that Film4 continues to play a central role in nurturing extraordinary British filmmaking talent.

“In this climate of uncertainty, Film4 offers a necessary home for the best of British filmmaking.”

Along with winning Best British Independent Film for Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, Film4 funded award winners included best actor Michael Fassbender (Hunger), and best supporting actor and actress Eddie Marsan and Alexis Zegerman for Mike Leigh’s Happy-Go-Lucky.

Hunger director Steve McQueen received The Douglas Hickox Award (Best Debut Director), Martin McDonagh won the best screenplay award for In Bruges, director of photography Sean Bobbitt won the best technical achievement award for Hunger, and Simon Ellis’ remarkably powerful Soft won best British short.

Film4 had received an astonishing 27 nominations in 13 of 18 possible categories for films and talent it has backed. Its core remit as a film funding body is to finance and contribute hands-on development and production expertise to filmmakers.

Film4’s current slate of British feature films either in production or due to be released includes Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones, Sam Taylor Wood’s Nowhere Boy, Kevin Macdonald’s Roman epic Eagle of the Ninth, Ken Loach’s Looking for Eric and Paul King’s Bunny and the Bull.

Film4’s strong support of British filmmaking, not only in cash terms, but also through its knowledge in all areas of the industry and its supportive business and creative guidance has led many filmmakers on to international success.

Directors such as Shane Meadows, Michael Winterbottom, Andrea Arnold, Kevin Macdonald, Roger Michell and Mike Leigh have all benefited from Film4’s unflinching support of their vision.

With the major awards season around the corner Film4 hopes many of its titles will be considered for future nomination, with Slumdog Millionaire emerging as a strong Oscar contender.

Check out the BIFA winners in full

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