Bradford filmmakers pitch for City of Culture screenings

Bradford filmmakers will have the chance to see their projects premiere during next year’s City of Culture celebrations.

A panel of experts will review eight film proposals from creators who have studied at the Forge Film Lab in Keighley, choosing three to be made into short films.

Ideas include a teen drama, a story set in the world of grassroots football and the story of a woman who encounters an “evil soul” after moving in with her boyfriend.

Bradford 2025 executive producer Kate Moore said organizers wanted to let local filmmakers “tell their stories in their own words”.

The workshops were held at The Unit, a specialist film talent center in Keighley, co-funded by Bradford Council and Channel 4.

Bradford 2025 led the initiative with regional film body Screen Yorkshire.

Ms Moore said: “The only way you can create authentic storytelling is to invest regionally and in the places people come from and the people who are there.

“This opportunity wasn’t really about making films about Bradford.

“It was about empowering and supporting people who are from the region, who are from the district, to tell their stories in their own words.”

People with a wide range of experience in film – writing, directing and producing – applied to take part in the one-month course.

Jo Schofield, Senior Director of Talent at Screen Yorkshire, said: “I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Bradford running the Forge Lab and I have to say it’s been really great to get to know the city.

“I’m actually a Leeds girl so I was brought up next door, but the place has such a charm; he has a unique sense of humor and there is a warmth to people.

“It was really fantastic to see Bradford receive this national recognition.”

Bradford 2025 creative director Shanaz Gulzar and Bafta-winning producer Bekki Wray Rodgers are on the selection panel.

Winning ideas will be announced in September.

Bradford-based Cosmosquare Films and producer Hollie Bryan will help the shortlisted teams make their films.