‘Bristol is a place where stories should be told’

Bristol’s UNESCO Creative City of Film status offers a unique opportunity to combat inequality and secure a lasting reputation on the world stage, say leaders.

Gaining the global status, held by only 13 cities around the world, is a genuine feather in the cap for the city, recognising its work as a leading film centre and it is hoped this will help attract talent and address inequalities in the sector.

The likes of Aardman, the Oscar-winning team behind Early Man, the internationally-renowned BBC Natural History Unit, Bottle Yard Studios, numerous dedicated festivals, the Watershed, UWE Bristol and others helped achieve this accolade.

“It means our claim to be a world centre of film has been endorsed,” said mayor Marvin Rees.

“It raises the city’s profile as a centre of excellence. As a UNESCO City of Film, we have a unique chance to harness the power of a diverse industry and empower people to collaborate on combating inequality and break down the barriers to opportunity.

“Our creative sector have really picked up the challenge surrounding the lack of diversity. We know there is a race and class issue in the city. We can use this, not just to talk about what our offering is as a city, but how it becomes more relevant in an increasingly diverse world.”

Sherlock Abominable Bride filming in Bristol

The City of Film programme will officially launch at the Watershed on Thursday evening and the mayor hopes this will only strengthen the case for Bristol to become the new home for Channel 4.

It could all have turned out very differently as the powers that be were busy making plans for a European City of Culture bid – which the UK is no longer eligible for – until the council’s cabinet member for culture, Estella Tincknell decided instead to focus on the UNESCO bid.

Filming on Bristol harbour for upcoming feature The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society-image courtesy Bristol Film Office

“For the last year, we have been working with stake holders across the city for how the title could benefit Bristol,” said Natalie Moore, of Bristol Film Office.

“There are areas we want to focus on that could improve film in Bristol and also widen diversity across audiences. We will also be making sure that everyone has the same chances of breaking into the industry that is currently seen as very elitist.”

Priorities will include enhancing Bristol’s reputation for film production, broadening engagement both within the industry and audiences, education and reducing inequalities by removing barriers and encouraging talent through diverse skills training.

Moore, who is leading the programme, said that Bradford – the only other city in the UK with the title – is a shining example of what can be done and revealed plans to collaborate widely with different cities to create cross-cultural work.

She added: “It terms of attracting talent, we have always felt that we can’t compete with places like London or Wales. Bristol is recognised internationally for its music and street art, but I think it’s time we shouted about film.”

Kiri filming in Bristol – image courtesy of Nick Wall and Channel 4

Jack Thorne, the five-time BAFTA-winning screenwriter behind Kiri, National Treasure and This is England, said: “Bristol is my home city, so I’m biased, but I think it’s the most fascinating city in the country.

“I’m so proud it’s got this new City of Film status, it’s a place where stories should be told.”

A two-year fund has been set up by Bristol City Council, the Bottle Yard Studios, UWE Bristol, the University of Bristol, Screenology and Destination Bristol to help deliver a City of Film programme.

Bristol City of Film logo

Read more: Bristol named a UNESCO Creative City of Film