BUFF – the leading film festival for diversity in the world – has found a new home for its annual showpiece after BT agreed to sponsor the seven day event for 2017..

Under the terms of the deal, from September this year, BT will host every film festival event (including the BUFF Awards) at the iconic BT Tower in London, a venue which isn’t usually open to the public.

BT will also share the awards ceremony on BT.com and will also have the opportunity to screen films acquired from BUFF on the BT TV store platform.

For BUFF, it is a major coup and comes just 12 months after coming top in a global list of diverse film festivals to attend.

BUFF founder and CEO, Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe, said: "There's nothing quite like going to the cinema to experience film though we can now safely say that come September there will be nothing quite like going to the BT Tower to experience film.

"The BT British Urban Film Festival will enable BT to showcase the breadth of great creative talent from the leading film festival for diversity in the world".

Tony Singh, Business Affairs and Business Development Director, BT TV, said: "We are delighted to be working with the British Urban Film Festival. It is leading the way in celebrating diversity in film, and as the UK’s fastest growing TV platform, this is a great festival we are proud to support.

"Our famous BT Tower, which has long been a part of TV broadcasting in the UK, will be the home of BUFF, and will allow film fans to enjoy the movies and experience the unique views across London".

Audiences will be required to pay a minimum of £15.00 to attend a festival event when tickets go on sale at the end of June. Tickets for the BUFF Awards will be charged at £125.00 per person.