International Film Chiefs Attend Launch of New Bradford Film School

By Óné Chappy 

Leading figures from the UK and Indian film industry have launched an International film school at the heart of Bradford.

This new film training centre,  Bradford Whistling Woods International Film School, has been formed from a collaboration between Bradford College and Whistling Woods International Film School.

 Mumbai-based Whistling Woods International (WWI) Institute for Films, Animation and Media Arts is one of the world's ten best Film Schools.

Held at Bradford College, the high-profile red carpet event was attended by Bradford's award winning film and television producer Steve Abbot, the Lord Major Khadim Hussain and president of Whistling Woods International, Meghna Ghai-Puri, amongst its many guests.

VIP film school guests

 
Director of the film school, Trevor Griffiths said he believes that Bradford is an ideal location to have an international film school as the city is the world’s first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural (UNESCO) City of Film.

This title bestows international recognition on Bradford as a world centre for film because of the city’s rich film heritage, its inspirational movie locations and its many celebrations of the moving image through the city’s annual film festivals.

Director Trevor Griffiths

Mr Griffiths said; "When I thought about opening a Film school here as part of Bradford College, it was to offer opportunity to people living in the north of England".

"Hopefully, it offers an opportunity and a resource for everyone in Bradford. It's not just for students who are coming to study film, it's about people who live in Bradford, live around Bradford, who want to access the facilities that we are building here".

This new partnership is expected to provide a unique learning opportunity for up and coming filmmakers to become part of ‘the best film school in the world.’
 
The WWI has a wealth of history and expertise in world film, and Photography has long been a key strength of Bradford College’s portfolio and benefits from its collaboration with the National Media Museum through its Fellowship programme.

Film Producer and the Chair of Bradford City of Film Steve Abbot said:" It's a wonderful affirmation as to why we are a world class city of film".

"I want Bradford to succeed and to overcome negative publicity and I am incredibly proud of being a Bradfordian, I am proud of being the Chair of City of Film and I am proud of being in anyway associated with this school", he said.

The Film School, which will also offer courses in animation and photography, opens in September this year and students will have the option to visit Whistling Woods International in Mumbai.