Bradford UNESCO City of Film launch a year-long events programme to celebrates its 10th Anniversary
Bradford UNESCO City of Film is marking its 10th anniversary this year with a series of events, festivals and screenings.
The full programme includes the announcement that Channel 4’s DIVERSE Festival will be taking place in Bradford as part of the celebrations. This is ahead of the channel’s new national HQ opening in the region later this year.
Bradford-born screenwriter, Michael Hirst (well known for the hit series Vikings and The Tudors), Bafta-nominated TV writer Lisa Holdsworth and Game of Thrones actor, Enzo Cilenti are among well known names from the TV and film industry appearing at events throughout the year.
Events include Bradford’s first ever smart phone film festival, film screenings and workshops for the public as well as industry led events focusing on diversity, inclusion and film education.
David Wilson, Director of Bradford UNESCO City of Film said: “ Bradford was the pioneer in the UNESCO network as the first City of Film and this anniversary is about both celebrating and developing further all the work that has been done and new projects yet to come - both on the local and international stage.
“The 10th anniversary programme is rich and diverse and reflects all the work the organisation has done in the last decade, using film and film culture to drive social and economic change. We’re delighted to have the University of Bradford and Bradford MDC as our key supporters for the anniversary year.”
Alex Mahon, Channel 4 Chief Executive said: “Inclusion and diversity are central to everything we do at Channel 4 and integral to driving true creative innovation. Our annual DIVERSE Festival provides a fantastic opportunity for people to come together, share their experiences and find out more about delivering inclusion within organisations. We’re extremely excited to be holding our festival in Bradford UNESCO City of Film as it celebrates its tenth anniversary and as we look forward to establishing our National HQ in nearby Leeds.”
Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission and Film London, said: "Film and high-end TV are big business and year after year we are privileged to welcome productions to every region and nation of the UK, drawn here by our reputation as a leading centre for world-class talent, facilities and technical expertise. Yorkshire is such a dynamic region for creative industries, particularly film and TV - home to Church Studios, Channel 4 headquarters and Screen Yorkshire’s new Film Office, and with high-end TV successes including Peaky Blinders and Victoria and films such as Downton Abbey. Bradford Film Office plays an important part in this success and we congratulate Bradford UNESCO City of Film as they celebrate their 10th anniversary."
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “We’re delighted to have Channel 4 coming to Bradford for what will be the first time the DIVERSE Festival has been hosted in an English city outside of London.
“The anniversary programme has wide appeal with something for everyone, and many events are free to improve accessibility for all.”
For the full programme see bradford.film