China film office for Bradford

If you're not familiar with the Northern British city of Bradford, then you might be surprised to learn that it has a long and proud association with film and cinema.

Alongside hosting annual film festivals and events, Bradford is widely used by film and TV production companies as a location.

The association between Bradford and film is so strong that in 2009 it was revealed as UNESCO's first City of Film.

Bradford opens a Chinese film office in the city of Qingdao on September 20, 2017. [Photo: qtv.com]

Now, UNESCO's City of Film has its sights firmly set on building relationships with Chinese directors, filmmakers and producers.

Over the last few days, Bradford has opened a Chinese film office as part of the Qingdao Film Trade and Domestic Film Promotion Festival.

According to a press release, the high-profile event has attracted some 500 delegates, including government officials from State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, Shandong Provincial Government and Qingdao Municipal Government.

International industry experts also attended, including heads from 48 cinema chains, major domestic distribution companies, film production companies, as well film stars, directors, screenwriters and production teams.

Bradford opens a Chinese film office in the city of Qingdao on September 20, 2017. [Photo: qtv.com]

David Wilson, Director of Bradford UNESCO City of Film said:

“We’ve been working with Qingdao for some time now and I was very fortunate to have visited the city earlier this year and see first-hand the scale of ambition for film. I am delighted to have been invited to attend the conference to communicate with high-ranking members of the Chinese film industry and give an opening speech for the Qingdao Film Museum.

“The establishment of a Bradford Film Office in Qingdao will enable the UK to have a portal to promote UK co production opportunities, and wider business opportunities particularly in Leeds City Region and the North of England.”