LEADING figures in the movie industry will descend on Bradford for an international film summit showing the district's work in film and television production and education.

The Bradford International Film Summit, taking place next March, will involve a series of seminars, screenings and talks exploring Bradford City of Film's work in driving social and economic change through film and TV.

Representatives of Bafta, the British Council, Women in Film and Television, the Chinese consulate and Irish and Mexican Ambassadors will be among the guests, along with TV executives, film-makers and policy makers - putting a global spotlight on the work of Bradford's City of Film team, the Bradford-based International Film School, the University of Bradford and the National Media Museum.

The summit - which will be officially unveiled on Tuesday at an event at the Palace of Westminster hosted by Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe and Shipley MP Philip Davies - will focus on four themes:

* Enjoy - A series of films screened in community venues across the region celebrating films made here, from The King's Speech to Rita, Sue and Bob Too

* Learn - Seminars about the Bradford Film Literacy Programme exploring ways film can inspire and educate, from primary school to university

* Make - Highlighting opportunities for businesses to benefit from film, with seminars promoting the growing potential in areas such as locations and catering

* Visit - Film location tours for summit guests to places around the district such as Saltaire, Haworth and Ilkley

Bradford City of Film director David Wilson said the summit is aimed at attracting increased film and TV production to Yorkshire; capitalising on business opportunities in film-related industries and services; creating collaboration opportunities through international networks; further developing education and skills programmes and share best practice; and inspiring communities to enjoy and experience more film.

"This is our chance to show to the world how Bradford is attracting and generating film-making, and using film in education and to benefit local businesses," said Mr Wilson.

"We want to make people aware of all that is great about Bradford. The summit will include discussion about film and TV production, set against the backdrop of the district, and innovative ways to expand the role of film in society for cultural and economic benefit."

The summit will also be attended by representatives of the 41 UNESCO Creative Cities, to learn from Bradford's experience. Bradford was the first city to be awarded the title in 2009 and the following year it went to Sydney in Australia.

Mr Wilson is working with four cities - Galway, Ireland; Busan, South Korea; Zagreb in Croatia; and Sofia in Bulgaria - which will learn today whether they have followed Bradford's lead and been awarded the UNESCO City of Film title.

"We hope to form new alliances and collaborations, which will benefit the people of all our cities," said Mr Wilson.

Bradford's diverse landscapes have attracted a range of film and television drama production over recent years. They include award-winning film The Selfish Giant, TV dramas Peaky Blinders, The Great Train Robbery and Jamaica Inn, police drama DCI Banks, and soon-to-be-released films Testament of Youth and Get Santa.

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