INDEPENDENT bars and shops in Saltaire and Shipley are the focus of a new film aimed at promoting the area.

Called Saltaire Shipley Smile, it draws on the history and heritage of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire and neighbouring Shipley, and highlights the current independent scene. It features a song by local musician Russ Graves, paying tribute to Sir Titus Salt and Jonathan Silver, who restored Salts Mill, and landmarks such as Shipley market and clocktower.

“I want to promote Saltaire and Shipley to a wider audience, to encourage people to come to the area for a day or night out,” said film-maker Christian Hardy, from Shipley, who is currently filming owners of bars, restaurants, shops and other businesses. “Each one gets a 15-30 second section talking about their business. I’m working with some established places as well as new ones opening up. I’m using drone footage I took at Saltaire Festival, and I’d like to film steam trains going through the village.

“I want to showcase the variety of businesses here, and the beautiful locations. There are lots of new, exciting businesses, such as the X-it Games, an escape room and immersive gaming experience, Heather Yoga, providing yoga classes and workshops for all ages, and Dandelion Cafe. The idea for the film was encouraged by Jimmy Greenwood, owner of Hullabaloo bar in Shipley.” Other businesses in the film include The Fox, the Rosse, The Salt Cellar, Tamer Barber and Skulep Boutique, and Christian is seeking more to take part.

The title was inspired by the “Shipley Smile” nickname of the A657 from Shipley to Saltaire. “It’s the way the road bends, like a ‘smile’, over the mile from The Fox pub to the Rosse pub,” said Christian, who runs Alchemy Studio, which provides film, graphic motion and photography services to business in the region. In 2015 he was artist-in-residence the National Science and Media Museum.

He is aiming for Saltaire Shipley Smile to be screened in local cinemas. “I want to put it on the map,” he said.

Clare Staples, who owns X-it Games in Shipley with Mitchell James, said: “We're really excited to be part of Christian's project, there's always a story behind any business and the people that run them, and the businesses in Shipley and Saltaire have colourful people and stories. To collaborate with a talented filmmaker and show a little about who we are is a great opportunity."

* Email ch@thealchemystudio.co.uk or visit thealchemystudio.co.uk