Innovative pioneers from Bradford contributed to the development of early British cinema in late 1800s. They created new technology in the form of magic lanterns and early film projection systems that were cutting edge at that time and distributed all around the world. Some of the first cinematic productions to be screened outside of London took place in Bradford in 1896 at the Palace Theatre, now the site of the National Media Museum.

Bradford has a rich film heritage and throughout 2014 we are developing an interactive app and exhibition to highlight the many productions which have been made here over the years thanks to lottery funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. We have seen a marked increase in film and television location requests in the past twelve months and look forward to working with our key partners Screen Yorkshire, Creative England and BBC to live up to our reputation as a film friendly City.

FILM TALK

Duratin : 60 minutes

Time: 17.30 Thursday 27th March

An exciting new series of free film talks has been arranged by the team at Bradford UNESCO City of Film and will be held at Bradford’s new City Library in City Park. For our festival special, film programmer and cinema manager Mike McKenny will investigate the dichotomy between art and commerce in cinema and look at the global film festival network, situating its various historic incarnations within their geopolitical context.

The talks are free but spaces are very limited at the City Library so booking is essential. To get your place please emailsue.rollins@bradford.gov.uk or call 01274 433600

FILM WALK AND TALK

Duration : 60 minutes

Time: 9.30 & 11.30 Saturday 29th March

New for BIFF 2014 – we are walking the (film) talk. City of Film Director, David Wilson, will be joined by Film & TV Locations Manager Jonathan Davies (The Selfish Giant, The Mill, Bedlam, DCI Banks) to lead a guided walk around film locations in Bradford City Centre. From classics such as Billy Liar and Room at the Top to more contemporary films and TV dramas, the guided walk will provide an insight into the role and challenges of the Locations Manager. There will also be an opportunity to see some hidden gems and secret locations.

The meeting point for the film walk will be at The National Media Museum

Places are free but strictly limited. To book places please email bradford.unesco@gmail.com