THE work of Bradford as the world’s first UNESCO film city over the past decade was highlighted at a special event in Paris.

David Wilson, Bradford UNESCO City of Film director, delivered a presentation on Bradford and how culture is used to drive sustainable development.

He told how City of Film planned to work with the Chinese film industry on a re-working of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, opening up the potential for the city to benefit from the massive Chinese tourism market.

City of Film also holds regular heritage walks, and this year began tours linked to the BBC crime drama Peaky Blinders, whose local locations have included Dalton Mills in Keighley.

Mr Wilson’s presentation came as Mumbai in India; Potsdam in Germany; Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Valladolid in Spain and Wellington in New Zealand joined UNESCO’s Creative Cities network as film cities.

The network has grown significantly since Bradford was given the title back in 2009.

Mr Wilson said other cities look to Bradford as a “model creative city” and describes it as the “godfather film city”.

He added: “Mumbai is an obvious one as it’s the home of Bollywood - some of the relationships we already have with Bollywood will be greatly enhanced. We are absolutely delighted.

“It was a great opportunity to share some of the work we do in Bradford with colleagues from around the world also trying to make cities sustainable for the future,” Mr Wilson said.

“I was fortunate to sit next the the Assistant Director General for Culture at UNESCO who had an interest in film.

“In a previous role he established the Chile Film Commission. He is a fan of Peaky Blinders and now of Bradford. My presentation was very well received and promoted a lot of discussion on empowering communities through culture.”

Bradford is an important part of the worldwide Creative Cities network, helping other cities in their bids and making lasting connections.

China has the world’s fastest growing film industry and there is a Bradford film office in Qingdao, which became a City of Film back in 2017.

The presentation by Mr Wilson focused on all Bradford has achieved as a City of Film over the past ten years.