TheBritish Federation of Film Societies (BFFS) will hold its national Film Societyof the Year Awards ceremony at the National Film Theatre in Londonon March 11.

AnthonyMinghella will present the awards, now in their 60thyear.

"Iam delighted to be involved with the BFFS in recognising the superbcontribution made by film societies across the UKin delivering the treasures of world cinema and the great films of the past toan ever widening and appreciative audience," Minghellasaid.

"Toooften we hear commentators state that specialist cinema is confined to Londonbut film societies across the land have been providing that service for years.Community cinema is important to the entire industry and this celebration is afitting appreciation of their invaluable contribution."

Theaward categories are for programming, programme notes, marketing, website,community, new society, student society, film society of the year, and theCharles Roebuck Cup.

TheUK Film Council funds the BFFS, which supports about 230 film societies acrossthe UK.