The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has expanded its eligibility rules for the annual British Academy Film Awards. While the eligibility for feature films remains unchanged, requiring at least a week’s theatrical run in commercial cinemas, there is now hope for independent filmmakers hitherto unable to be in awards consideration because their films bowed directly on digital platforms like Netflix, Amazon or iTunes. The new rule states: “At the committee’s discretion, and only in exceptional circumstances, a film that has been available to the UK public through other patterns or forms of distribution may be considered for entry.” Filmmakers wishing to be considered in these circumstances are being urged by BAFTA to appeal to the awards committee as soon as possible.

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Key dates for the British Academy Film Awards:

Friday 21 October – Entry deadline for Stage One submissions
Wednesday 14 December – Round One voting opens
Thursday 15 December – Films released in the UK after 1 January 2017 must be screened to BAFTA voters by this date to qualify
Tuesday 3 January – Round One voting closes (18:00 GMT)
Tuesday 10 January – Nominations announcement; Round Two voting opens
Wednesday 8 February – Round Two voting closes (18:00 GMT)
Friday 10 February - All entered films to open on general release to the public by this date
Sunday 12 February – British Academy Film Awards