ONE of China’s leading film experts has received an award recognising his contribution to film at a civic ceremony in Bradford.

Rao Shuguang, Secretary General of the China Film Association, received the award from Bradford City of Film director David Wilson. The Civic Ceremony was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Abid Hussain, and was part of celebrations in the city marking China Film week.

Bradford City of Film and its partners have hosted a delegation of film experts enabling film-makers and high profile figures from China to meet UK industry professionals in London and Bradford.

Mr Wilson said: “We are honoured to be hosting the delegation from China. The award was made to Mr Rao in recognition of his contribution to the development of popular culture through film. Mr Rao has many years’ experience in developing film projects and promoting film culture in China and we hope to work together in future to develop joint projects between UK and China using our UNESCO designation. We are also delighted to welcome colleagues from Qingdao, China’s first UNESCO City of Film, as part of the delegation.

"We hope that China Film week - both here and in London - will continue to develop relationships between the Chinese and British film sector and lead to new and exciting partnerships and opportunities.”

Last year Bradford become the first European city to open a film office in Qingdao in China, home to the world’s fastest growing cinema industry. Also last year, Qingdao joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as China’s first UNESCO City of Film, with assistance from Bradford.

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