ALEEM KHAN’S directorial debut “After Love” was the standout performer at this year’s British Independent Film Awards (BIFA). The film — about a widowed Muslim convert who uncovers the secret life led by her late husband — landed six awards at Sunday night’s ceremony, including the top honor of best British independent film. “After Love” also won best director, best debut director and best screenplay for Khan; best actress for Joanna Scanlan; and best supporting actor for Talid Ariss. “People Just Do Nothing” co-creator and star Asim Chaudhry hosted the festivities, which saw the BIFA’s return to an in-person event at their traditional home of Old Billingsgate in London. The pandemic saw BIFA livestream the 2020 awards in February this year. Elsewhere on the night, Adeel Akhtar was named best actor for Clio Barnard’s story of forbidden love, “Ali & Ava,” while Vinette Robinson won best supporting actress for Philip Barantini’s single-take restaurant drama, “Boiling Point.” “Boiling Point,” which also won three other awards, went into the night with the joint highest number of nominations, tying with Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast” with 11 nods each. As previously announced, Riz Ahmed was presented with this year’s Richard Harris award for outstanding contribution by an actor to British film. (SD-Agencies) | 