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The BIFA Podcast | Supported by Kia
Paapa Essiedu and Lennie James
In this episode of The BIFA Podcast actors Paapa Essiedu and Lennie James explore the stories and cinemas that made them who they are.
If you’ve been watching, well, lots of great TV over the last decade then chances are you’ve seen Lennie. From beloved police procedural Line of Duty, to undead adventures in The Walking Dead, to Save Me, the disappearance drama that he created, wrote and starred in. But now he’s off the small screen and on stage, currently performing in A Number at the Old Vic, and Paapa who he’s chatting to here, plays his son.
Having established himself with performances in King Lear, Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet, Paapa star rose considerably in 2020, with his remarkable performances in Gangs of London and Michaela Coel’s groundbreaking series I May Destroy You, in which he played Kwame. And most recently he appeared in the short film Femme, which won the prize for Best British Short at the BIFA awards in December 2021.
In this episode of the podcast, recorded between performances of their play, Paapa and Lennie explore how the hype around a cinema release has changed over the years, from queuing around the block, to your Netflix queue, the difference between a Saturday morning picture and a Saturday night picture and just how important films like Blade and Black Panther have been for Black Londoners.
The BIFA Podcast is a Little Dot Studios production for BIFA
The show is hosted by Jake Cunningham
It’s produced by Ellie Aitken, Jake Cunningham and Harold McShiel
And it's edited by Content is Queen
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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2. Robert Aramayo talks I Swear, Rings of Power, and his double BAFTA nomination
53:32||Season 5, Ep. 2Robert Aramayo joins the BIFA Podcast in what can only be described as a very big February for him.Fresh off a London Critics’ Circle win and in the midst of a BAFTA double nomination (including EE Rising Star), Rob talks to us about stepping into Middle-earth as Elrond in The Rings of Power, his BIFA-winning turn in I Swear, and shaking Paul Thomas Anderson’s hand.Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIALInstagram – @BIFA_filmTikTok – @BIFA_filmX – @BIFA_filmABOUT THE BIFA PODCASTEach week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.ABOUT BIFAThe British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film—CREDITSHosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy HunterProduced by the BIFA TeamAudio Engineer: Itzel Gonzalez EstradaRecorded at Bleat Post ProductionMusic: “Make It Happen”Performed by Laura WelshWritten by Jimmy James and Laura WelshLicensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/ScreenwrkPublished by Universal Music Publishing Ltd
1. Louise Brealey on her previous life as a film journalist, slapping Benedict Cumberbatch and that scene in Such Brave Girls
48:43||Season 5, Ep. 1Louise Brealey is the first BIFA podcast guest of 2026!A bonafide Independent film champion, before moving into acting Louise began as a journalist for multiple film magazines including Total Film and Wonderland.We talked all about how she switched up her career, a hilarious misunderstanding while getting cast in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, slapping Benedict Cumberbatch in the face while filming Sherlock and a particular scene in Such Brave Girls no one will be forgetting in a hurry.Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIALInstagram - @BIFA_film TikTok - @BIFA_film X - @BIFA_filmABOUT THE BIFA PODCASTEach week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.ABOUT BIFAThe British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film— CREDITSHosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy HunterProduced by Daniel Audritt, Kat Butterfield and Joy HunterAssistant Producer: Bruno AtkinsonProduction company: Audacious Productions DOP: Louis Hudd & Jude O'Connor Audio Engineers: Nathan Cooper and James Gibbons McGregor Recorded at Fiction Studios Special thanks to the BIFA teamMusic: “Make It Happen” Performed by Laura Welsh Written by Jimmy James and Laura Welsh Licensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/Screenwrk Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd
12. Emily Watson on Hamnet, Breaking the Waves, and receiving the Richard Harris Award
53:18||Season 4, Ep. 12BIFA's 2025 Richard Harris Award recipient Emily Watson shares her journey into film and most inspiring cinema going moments on the all new BIFA Podcast, supported by Kia. Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIALInstagram - @BIFA_filmTikTok - @BIFA_filmX - @BIFA_filmABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST SUPPORTED BY KIAEach week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.ABOUT BIFAThe British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film—CREDITSThe BIFA Podcast is supported by Kia. Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter Produced by Daniel Audritt, Kat Butterfield and Joy HunterAssistant Producer: Bruno AtkinsonProduction company: Audacious ProductionsDOP: Louis Hudd & Jude O'ConnorAudio Engineers: Nathan Cooper and James Gibbons McGregor Recorded at Fiction Studios Special thanks to the BIFA teamMusic: “Make It Happen”Performed by Laura WelshWritten by Jimmy James and Laura WelshLicensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/ScreenwrkPublished by Universal Music Publishing Ltd
11. Rose Byrne talks Bridesmaids, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, and working with Heath Ledger
44:49||Season 4, Ep. 11Rose Byrne shares her journey into film and most inspiring cinema going moments on the all new BIFA Podcast, supported by Kia. Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIALInstagram - @BIFA_filmTikTok - @BIFA_filmX - @BIFA_filmABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST SUPPORTED BY KIAEach week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.ABOUT BIFAThe British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film—CREDITSThe BIFA Podcast is supported by Kia. Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter Produced by Daniel Audritt, Kat Butterfield and Joy HunterAssistant Producer: Bruno AtkinsonProduction company: Audacious ProductionsDOP: Louis Hudd & Jude O'ConnorAudio Engineers: Nathan Cooper and James Gibbons McGregor Recorded at Fiction Studios Special thanks to the BIFA teamMusic: “Make It Happen”Performed by Laura WelshWritten by Jimmy James and Laura WelshLicensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/ScreenwrkPublished by Universal Music Publishing Ltd
10. Ashley Walters talks Adolescence, Top Boy and The Goonies
50:13||Season 4, Ep. 10Ashley Walters shares his journey into film and most inspiring cinema going moments on the all new BIFA Podcast, supported by Kia. Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIALInstagram - @BIFA_filmTikTok - @BIFA_filmX - @BIFA_filmABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST SUPPORTED BY KIAEach week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.ABOUT BIFAThe British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film—CREDITSThe BIFA Podcast is supported by Kia. Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter Produced by Daniel Audritt, Kat Butterfield and Joy HunterAssistant Producer: Bruno AtkinsonProduction company: Audacious ProductionsDOP: Louis Hudd & Jude O'ConnorAudio Engineers: Nathan Cooper and James Gibbons McGregor Recorded at Fiction Studios Special thanks to the BIFA teamMusic: “Make It Happen”Performed by Laura WelshWritten by Jimmy James and Laura WelshLicensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/ScreenwrkPublished by Universal Music Publishing Ltd
9. Imogen Poots talks Hedda, All of You, and working with Kristen Stewart
52:44||Season 4, Ep. 9Imogen Poots shares her journey into film and most inspiring cinema going moments on the all new BIFA Podcast, supported by Kia. Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIALInstagram - @BIFA_filmTikTok - @BIFA_filmX - @BIFA_filmABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST SUPPORTED BY KIAEach week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.ABOUT BIFAThe British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film—CREDITSThe BIFA Podcast is supported by Kia. Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter Produced by Daniel Audritt, Kat Butterfield and Joy HunterAssistant Producer: Bruno AtkinsonProduction company: Audacious ProductionsDOP: Louis Hudd & Jude O'ConnorAudio Engineers: Nathan Cooper and James Gibbons McGregor Recorded at Fiction Studios Special thanks to the BIFA teamMusic: “Make It Happen”Performed by Laura WelshWritten by Jimmy James and Laura WelshLicensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/ScreenwrkPublished by Universal Music Publishing Ltd
8. Letitia Wright on Marvel, Lynne Ramsay and what Chadwick Boseman taught her about legacy on screen
47:42||Season 4, Ep. 8Letitia Wright shares her journey into film and most inspiring cinema going moments on the all new BIFA Podcast, supported by Kia. Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIALInstagram - @BIFA_filmTikTok - @BIFA_filmX - @BIFA_filmABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST SUPPORTED BY KIAEach week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.ABOUT BIFAThe British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film—CREDITSThe BIFA Podcast is supported by Kia. Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter Produced by Daniel Audritt, Kat Butterfield and Joy HunterAssistant Producer: Bruno AtkinsonProduction company: Audacious ProductionsDOP: Louis Hudd & Jude O'ConnorAudio Engineers: Nathan Cooper and James Gibbons McGregor Recorded at Fiction Studios Special thanks to the BIFA teamMusic: “Make It Happen”Performed by Laura WelshWritten by Jimmy James and Laura WelshLicensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/ScreenwrkPublished by Universal Music Publishing Ltd
7. Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù talks Gangs of London, My Father’s Shadow, and his love of Space Jam
53:40||Season 4, Ep. 7Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù shares his journey into film and most inspiring cinema going moments on the all new BIFA Podcast, supported by Kia.Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIALInstagram - @BIFA_filmTikTok - @BIFA_filmX - @BIFA_filmABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST SUPPORTED BY KIAEach week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.ABOUT BIFAThe British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film—CREDITSThe BIFA Podcast is supported by Kia.Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy HunterProduced by Daniel Audritt, Kat Butterfield and Joy HunterAssistant Producer: Bruno AtkinsonProduction company: Audacious ProductionsDOP: Jude O'ConnorAudio Engineers: Nathan Cooper and James Gibbons McGregorRecorded at Fiction StudiosSpecial thanks to the BIFA teamMusic: “Make It Happen”Performed by Laura WelshWritten by Jimmy James and Laura WelshLicensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/ScreenwrkPublished by Universal Music Publishing Ltd
6. Nick Mohammed on Jurassic Park, David Schwimmer, and the 'diverse' pot of money in commissioning
48:46||Season 4, Ep. 6Nick Mohammed shares his journey into film and most inspiring cinema going moments on the all new BIFA Podcast, supported by Kia. Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIALInstagram - @BIFA_filmTikTok - @BIFA_filmX - @BIFA_filmABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST SUPPORTED BY KIAEach week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.ABOUT BIFAThe British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film—CREDITSThe BIFA Podcast is supported by Kia. Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter Produced by Daniel Audritt, Kat Butterfield and Joy HunterAssistant Producer: Bruno AtkinsonProduction company: Audacious ProductionsDOP: Louis Hudd & Jude O'ConnorAudio Engineers: Nathan Cooper and James Gibbons McGregor Recorded at Fiction Studios Special thanks to the BIFA teamMusic: “Make It Happen”Performed by Laura WelshWritten by Jimmy James and Laura WelshLicensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/ScreenwrkPublished by Universal Music Publishing Ltd