Raindance and The British Independent Film Awards have announced their programme of events for 2004.

Raindance also announced its move into UK home entertainment distribution with the formation of the Raindance Distribution Company, a joint venture with Anchor Bay Entertainment to create a new DVD label which will release six to ten titles each year selected from the Raindance festival.

Raindance 2004 opens with The 3rd Raindance East Film Festival (23-29 April), which focuses on the cultural diversity of East London. The festival is a partnership between Raindance, Tower Hamlets and Lee Valley Regional Park and offers a programme of independent cinema from around the world with a special place for shorts made by local East End Talent.

The 12th Raindance Film Festival (1-10 October) is the largest independent film festival in Europe specialising in work by first time directors.

The British Independent Film Awards (27 October). Created in 1998 the Awards celebrate achievements in independently funded British films, honour new talent and promote British films and filmmaking.