Bradford scoops film city award

12/06/2009

A West Yorkshire city has became the first in the world to be awarded City of Film status.
Bradford beat competition from across the globe to win the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) title.
The city - home to an international film festival and the National Media Museum - boasts a proud history as a filming location.
Billy Liar, The Railway Children and Channel 4 drama Red Riding were all filmed in Bradford, and it is hoped that the award will attract fresh talent to the city.
Oscar-winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, who was born in the city, said: "This is superb news for Bradford and is testimony to the city's dedication to the film and media industry."
Bradford now becomes part of Unesco's Creative Cities Network, which aims to encourage the social, economic and cultural development of cities which promote their local creative industries.
The award is recognition of Bradford's plan to use the popularity and accessibility of film to all as a major tool for regeneration, cultural development and social inclusion.
The city's history and potential as a filming location, its contribution to the film industry and its celebration of film all contributed to the winning bid.
The City of Film status will build Bradford's profile as a film destination.
It is also hoped it will boost the local economy by encouraging visitors and film-makers to visit the city.
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