Mark Nicholls Filmgoers in Norwich are being given the chance to select the winners in the country's premier celebration of animated film-making.It is the first time cinemagoers in Norwich have had the opportunity to take part in judging in the British Animation Awards with three special screenings of nominated films being held at the Cinema City venue.

Mark Nicholls

Filmgoers in Norwich are being given the chance to select the winners in the country's premier celebration of animated film-making.

It is the first time cinemagoers in Norwich have had the opportunity to take part in judging in the British Animation Awards with three special screenings of nominated films being held at the Cinema City venue.

They take place on February 4, 11 and 18 and at the end of each one the audience will be invited to vote for the winners in three categories, via forms that will be issued at the screenings. The votes will be counted alongside those from other selected cinemas across the country to decide the winners.

On each of the three nights there will be a mix of short films, music videos and animated commercials, described as “an absolute must for anyone with an interest in animation.”

Cinema City manager Jack Thompson said: “It's great to be able to bring these screenings and the opportunity to help select the winners to Norwich for the first time.

“Norwich is already an established centre for film animation with the Aurora Festival and one of the best Animation Departments in the country at Norwich School of Art & Design. I'm sure we'll become a regular venue for the screenings now we have the new cinema.”

The British Animation Awards - or BAA's as they are known in the industry - began in 1996 and have been held every two years since. Each award winner is presented with a drawing, painting, or some kind of artwork, made and signed by an inspirational fellow artist-animator, which is known as a baa'.

The Awards ceremony will be held in London on March 13.

Meanwhile, the Cinema City bar is set to host a regular series of film quizzes.

Hosted by film buff and fan James Korda, the first quiz will is at 9.30pm on Tuesday, February 5 with further events on February 26 and March 18.

The quiz will not just appeal to those with an obsessive fascination for the obscure.

Mr Thompson said: “We really want this to appeal to people right across the board, it won't be elitist at all. The questions will be designed so that anyone with a reasonable interest in films will be in with a good chance.”

Competitors can enter as individuals or as teams but team numbers will be restricted to four people. Entry is just £1 for each person. Prizes include film merchandise, cinema tickets and cash.