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Archive film screening gives audiences a glimpse of life in Bradford as far back as 1896

  • On Wednesday 16 October, Bradford on Film will be returning to he National Science and Media Museum’s Pictureville Cinema, following its previous success.
  • The screening offers a rare chance to experience over 100 years of local moving image history preserved and revealed in a film curated by Yorkshire Film Archive.

The National Science and Media Museum’s Pictureville Cinema will be hosting a special screening of Bradford on Film, a film bringing together footage preserved and acquired by Yorkshire Film Archive to tell the story of the district through the 20th century.

Screening on 16 October, the Bradford on Film journey begins in 1896 with a bustling Town Hall Square, during the earliest days of filmmaking, and takes us right through to the colourful Festival Mela in 1998. The screening will be led by Yorkshire Film Archive’s Archive Manager Graham Relton, who will guide audiences through the footage and offer insight throughout.

Over 100 years of moving image history will be revealed through places many cinemagoers will recognise today. From days out to Shipley Glen, Haworth and Saltaire, to rare images of the city festooned in bunting for the Silver Jubilee of George V in 1935 and scenes from the iconic Blue Lace nightclub dance floor.

The event is a chance to witness Bradford life through the decades, with many of the films being made by ordinary, local people themselves. The film also shines a spotlight on local filmmakers like Eric Hall and Fred Dewhirst, and reveals the film legacies of influential businessman and councillor Bob Sharp, as well as professional film company CH Wood Ltd.

Footage from amateur filmmakers and home-movie enthusiasts sits alongside that of regional television programmes, all coming together to showcase the changing face of the district. This special event weaves together the story of Bradford, the world’s first UNESCO City of Film, from landmark historical events through to the finer details of everyday life.

Commenting on the event Graham Relton, Archive Manager said: “As the city looks ahead to its Year of Culture, this special screening takes a look back at over 130 years of life in the district, captured on film. It offers a window onto the past and a celebration of all things Bradford.”

For film times and to book tickets, visit our website.

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For more information, please contact Alice Browne, Senior Press Officer Alice.browne@scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk /01274 203 355 

A media pack of images is available to download here.

For more information about Pictureville Cinema, visit our website.

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About the National Science and Media Museum

The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, West Yorkshire, opened in 1983, and has since become one of the most visited UK museums outside London. It draws on more than three million objects from its national collection to explore the science and culture of image and sound technologies, and their impact on our lives.     
  
The museum creates special exhibitions, interactive galleries and activities for families and adults, and is home to Pictureville, Yorkshire’s biggest independent cinema with three screens including Europe’s first IMAX and the only remaining public Cinerama venue in the world.

Please note, the museum remains temporarily closed to the public until January 2025 to undergo a ‘once-in-a-generation’ transformation.  For more information and updates on re-opening, please visit our website.