Global broadcaster TRACE sponsors the 2016 British Urban Film Festival Awards

International brand TRACE,  the leading multimedia group dedicated to urban entertainment,  has signed a partnership agreement with the British Urban Film Festival (BUFF) to sponsor the Best Feature category at the upcoming British Urban Film Festival Awards ceremony, taking place on Sunday 18th September 2016.

Established in 2005, the British Urban film Festival has pioneered the promotion of British urban cinema. Supported by a board comprising of producers, actors, journalists and film critics, Buff presents a platform where urban independent filmmakers can showcase their work to the widest possible audience.

This partnership comes ahead of the launch of TRACE Play, the first SVOD platform 100% dedicated to multicultural and urban entertainment.  TRACE Play will offer on demand urban content in an addition to the 8 linear channels which TRACE offers in 160 countries around the world.

Both companies share a mutual goal to provide a platform for the urban demographic.  BUFF has been successfully celebrating the diverse talent within the British Urban film industry for the past 11 years. Thus, making it very appropriate for Co-founder and CEO of TRACE, Olivier Laouchez, to present a talented filmmaker with their highly anticipated award.

Olivier Laouchez, TRACE co-founder, chairman and CEO, commented:

“TRACE has always had a strong presence in contemporary urban culture and we are currently in an exciting period ahead of the launch of TRACE Play, our SVOD Platform. TRACE and BUFF share the same vision to provide audiences with access to authentic urban entertainment that creates long lasting impressions. I’m confident that our partnership with BUFF will lead to a strong rapport which will allow both parties to build a stronger foundation in our pursuit and support of urban talent ”

The final shortlist of nominees for the Best Feature category include ‘Montana’ (directed by Mo Ali), ‘Lapse of Honour’ (directed by Rayna Campbell), ‘Second Coming’ (directed by Debbie Tucker Green) and ‘Invisible Men’ (directed by Meshack Enahoro). All four films will were screened as part of BUFF’s year-round coverage with ‘Montana’, ‘Lapse of Honour’ and ‘Invisible Men’ all receiving their UK & World premieres at the film festival.

Commenting on the deal, BUFF CEO, Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe said:

“Today’s announcement is yet another example of BUFF’s objective beyond 2020 to put filmmakers first and in doing so, help shape the future of urban film coverage by expanding our content offering, our digital availability and our geographical footprint. TRACE is one of the leading media brands and their generous sponsorship will allow BUFF to truly go global with our film festival and the awards. Long may the passion continue”.

Notes to Editor:

TRACE

Launched in 2003, TRACE is a leading brand and entertainment group operating in 160 countries. TRACE offers thematic TV channels, FM radios, mobile services, digital platform (AVoD, SVoD) and produces events and programmes for the new Urban, Multicultural and Multi-ethnic generations.

www.trace.tv