A FILM telling the story of the role of the community living near Valley Parade during the Bradford City fire disaster will have its first screening later this month.

Bradford City Community Foundation’s Unheard Voices project has produced a book and 12-minute film of residents’ experiences.

A total of 56 fans died in the fire on May 11, 1985, at a match between Bradford City and Lincoln City, with around 265 more injured.

The project interviewed more than 60 people including retired police officers who were on duty at the fire, who said they went round the streets to find survivors.

Many of the residents, who were mostly Bangladeshi, took people into their homes, brought out blankets and drinks and let them use their home telephones. The residents also helped take victims to hospital.

Now the project’s film will be premiered on Wednesday, March 22, at 1.30pm, at Shapla Hall Community Hall, Cornwall Terrace, Manningham, with members of the Bangladeshi community who helped on the day expected to attend.

The event will also see film interviewees receive awards handed out by Bradford City chief scout Greg Abbott, who played for the Bantams on the day of the disaster.

Humayun Islam, chief executive of BEAP Community Partnership, which has organised the screening, said: “It’s really important to highlight that the community can come together when there is a tragedy.

“When the fire happened, the doors of the community were open to help.

“It showcases the Bangladeshi community in the area around the stadium.

“In the film, you can still see the impact the fire had on people. It is a chance for the people to share their experiences, as they have not had the chance before.

“It also gives us a chance to come together and show what a strong community we are.”

The book and film will be officially released at an event at the National Media Museum on April 5, followed by a photographic exhibition at the same venue in May.

Paula Helliwell, Unheard Voices project manager, said: “This is a sneak preview for the Bangladeshi community. It is really important to have it in the community, so everybody will get a chance to see it. We want to celebrate their help with the project and bravery on the day.”

The Bradford City Community Foundation, the community charity of Bradford City Football Club, funded the project through a £40,100 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The foundation provides football coaching and education to young people, works with youngsters aged between 16 and 18 on the National Citizen Service and has carried out several projects in the local community.

For more details of the free screening, call Mr Islam on 07868 322723.