Yorkshire’s first three day film festival celebrating active ageing and life through film finished today after proving a hit with audiences of all ages.
Our fabulous volunteers
For the last three days City Hall opened its doors to festival goers who were treated to an exciting programme of events including everything from screenings of documentary shorts and film classics to hands on film production workshops.
With many events fully booked, organisers Bradford UNESCO City of Film said they had been overwhelmed by the response.
Director of Bradford UNESCO City of Film, David Wilson said: “I’ve been delighted by the response and it’s been wonderful to see people of all ages attending this festival.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all who participated and partnered with us in the Golden Years Film Festival. We have laughed, cried and discussed a whole range of issues about life and ageing. We have made new friends and re-acquainted with old ones and there is a definite will to try and grow this type of festival in future years. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help and enthusiasm of our team of wonderful volunteers whose help has been invaluable.”
Festival goer, Heather Goodall said: “I was amazed and found it thought provoking and very enjoyable.”
The festival was launched on Monday by the Lord Mayor. Partners including The University of Bradford and The Northern Film School at Leeds Beckett University ran film-based workshops across the three days. And in a UK first, Bradford UNESCO City of Film partnered with the San Francisco Legacy Film Festival to screen a series of moving documentaries made in east coast America.
Highlights included a screening of the Bradford film classic, Room at the Top in City Hall – 57 years after many of the scenes had been shot on location in the very same iconic building. One of the day’s special guests was retired mill worker, Margaret Metcalfe who appeared as an extra in the film and was delighted to see herself again in the film.
Our delegates also had a go at presenting to camera using an autocue and green screen – here’s how a couple of them went on…..
