Bradford has been a centre for film and cinema since film was invented. On Friday 7th August 2015 – Bradford City of Film Director, David Wilson will give a talk and presentation on Bradford’s rich film heritage from the early days of cinema pioneers such as Bradford’s very own R J Appleton to insight the early days of cinema pioneers such as Bradford’s very own R J Appleton to insight into film & TV production which spans over 100 years of filmmaking in the Bradford district.
Mr Wilson said; ‘I have been doing this job for the best part of three years now and there’s very rarely a week goes by where I don’t uncover a new fascinating fact about the City and its connection to film and television production. I really enjoy these types of events because there are some really fascinating facts which I am able to share but equally there’s usually someone in the audience who was either in one of the productions I talk about, or knows someone who was. Working with community groups and engaging them with Bradford’s film status hopefully gives people a sense of pride in where they live and often stimulates a fun a lively debate.’
Bradford UNESCO City of Film in partnership with the Yorkshire Film Archive is currently delivering reminiscence sessions using Memory Bank Bradford. A series of archive film film footage of local people, places and events to connect the past with the present, to re-discover memories, share stories and simply sit back and enjoy the delights of the films themselves.
Mr Wilson said; ‘we are delighted to be working with approximately 30 volunteers from Age UK and the Bradford District NHS Foundation Trust who are using Memory Bank Bradford to deliver reminiscence sessions across the Bradford District. We very much hope that the Sedbergh Community Centre will host one these sessions in the future.’
Lucy Carter, from the Sedbergh Community Centre said: ‘I really hope people in the area and beyond will come along this Friday to hear David talk about Bradford’s rich film heritage. It’s a excellent opportunity to learn what a great cultural city Bradford is and it will be a chance to meet other regulars and see what goes on here. We will be serving drinks, snacks and speciality coffees too – so it should be a lovely morning!”
The Sedbergh Community Centre provides resources and activities for ages 0-90+ years and Lucy who is involved with the over fifties group there is particularly interested in reminiscence work. Lucy said: ‘I am really looking forward to attending one of the Memory Bank sessions and hopefully our community will get behind a project that will enable them to connect with the past and unearth some wonderful memories. The film talk this Friday will be the ideal opportunity to see if there is enough interest to make a future memory project become a reality.’
