Elliot Grove and Suzanne Ballantyne, from London are among 28 exceptional individuals to be honoured with the esteemed British Citizen Award (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster. This recognition celebrates their outstanding contributions to society.
The Medal Presentation, set for Thursday 23rd July, will see Elliot and Suzanne receive the coveted BCA Medal of Honour for Services to Arts (BCAa). Recipients are invited to use the post-nominals to commemorate their achievements.
Elliot and his wife Suzanne have dedicated 30 years to independent filmmaking and arts education in the UK. They founded Raindance Film Festival in 1993 because the British film industry was perceived as closed, polite, and self-congratulating while shutting new filmmakers out. They co-founded the British Independent Film Awards in 1998 because they believed British indie film deserved more. Raindance didn’t start as a brand, it started as a rebellion: film training without gatekeepers, a festival without permission, and a community built by filmmakers who weren’t waiting to be invited in. Later, they took it global because it is their belief that independent film doesn’t belong to one city, one class, or one accent.
As the founders of Raindance Film School, they have enabled thousands of filmmakers to develop their craft, screen their work, and build careers. Many filmmakers recount how Elliot or Suzanne directly encouraged, mentored, and connected them at pivotal moments in their careers.
Stephanie Wood from BCA Partner One Stop commented, “This year’s medalists exemplify the incredible support within our communities, especially during challenging times. We’re honoured to partner with the BCA and play a part in recognising these exceptional individuals.”
The presentation, hosted by TV and Radio presenter Matt Allwright, will be attended by BCA Patrons Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Lord Mott. Representatives from BCA supporters, Specsavers, Places for People, Novus Property Solutions and Aldermore Bank will also be in attendance. Following the ceremony, medalists will enjoy an Open Top Lap of Honour tour taking in some of Westminster’s iconic sights in celebration of their positive impact on communities the length and breadth of the UK.
