Friday 12 June 2009

Bradford becomes world's first "City of Film"

Bradford may not be top of your "must do" places to visit this year, but it has a lot going for it. There's The UK National Media Museum, The Alhambra and the best curry in the North, for starters! Now there's another reason as Bradford has been chosen to become the world's first-ever city of film. Awarded by the United Nations, the city is being recognised for films made in the city, the dedicated media museum and several film festivals held each year. Billy Liar and part of Monty Python's The Meaning of Life were made in Bradford and The Railway Children was filmed on the nearby Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Bollywood stars often visit the city and Simon Beaufoy, the screenwriter for the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, said the accolade was "superb news" for his hometown. "Not only has Bradford played a crucial role in the story of cinema and helped shape its history, it has inspirational plans to enhance its future relationship with film, which will benefit both the local community and the industry at large." Bradford is just 25 minutes by rail from Ilkley with trains every half-hour throughout the day.