Bradford’s digital storytellers are about to take the spotlight as hundreds of newly preserved films will be celebrated at a special showcase in the city. 

We'll be marking the completion of ‘Screen Time: Bradford', a major contemporary collecting project supported by the BFI Screen Heritage Fund, awarding National Lottery funding. The project, which captured the district’s people, places and culture, will conclude with a unique event for the public on Thursday 23 April 2026 at Pictureville Cinema, National Science and Media Museum.

Screen Time invited Bradfordians, filmmakers, content creators, and communities to submit born-digital films made within the last two decades representing life, events and stories across the Bradford district. From mobile phone footage of everyday moments, to videography of significant occasions, to creative documentaries exploring social issues and uplifting tales, the project has gathered hundreds of diverse digital films, now preserved for future generations as part of Bradford’s moving‑image legacy.

Alexandra Stockdale-Haley, Engagement and Legacy Officer at Yorkshire Film Archive, said:

“Across the archive sector, we’re all considering the future of digital preservation. In Bradford, we’ve been able to put those ideas into practice through ‘Screen Time’. Thanks to the city’s UNESCO City of Film status and the momentum of Bradford 2025 City of Culture, we’ve connected with a wide network of filmmakers, creatives and the communities whose stories define the city. This born‑digital collecting campaign is about more than safeguarding footage; it’s about ensuring Bradford’s people and their cultural legacy are preserved in history. Now is the time to celebrate it.”

The initiative responded to the growing risk of a “digital black hole,” where today’s born‑digital films—stored on phones, hard drives, memory sticks, or online platforms—are easily lost or may be rendered obsolete in the future. By collecting and safeguarding these films, Yorkshire Film Archive will ensure that Bradford’s ongoing screen heritage sits alongside 130 years of historic footage already held in the Archive.

Screen Time Bradford: The Showcase will feature curated highlights from the newly collected films, insights into the project’s impact, and an opportunity to socialise in the Pictureville bar with the filmmakers, contributors, and partners who made it happen. 

You’ll be treated to intimate glimpses into the lives of local legends — from Barry Roots, the iconic “Bird Man,” to the spirited Bradford Belles. Watch communities unite to grow gardens, play, protest, and support one another. Experience powerful documentaries capturing the raw reality of the Covid‑19 pandemic and heartfelt conversations about grief. Relive the magic of a triumphant City of Culture year, with everything from electrifying live performances to breath-taking drone shows and stunning artworks — all brought together in a series of ‘sneak peek’ style extracts. 

Speaking about Screen Time, Scott Coulthard, local filmmaker, said:

“I love the idea that in 100 years’ time somebody will come across a moment in time in Bradford that I was able to capture. I think that is hugely important. The fact that my films might even mix with the films of other filmmakers in the future is really exciting to think about too. To know that my films are going to be looked after long after I’m not here anymore, I think that’s magical.”

Screen Time: Bradford is made possible with the support of the BFI Screen Heritage Fund, awarding National Lottery funding.

Be sure to book your FREE place via Eventbrite: Screen Time Bradford: The Showcase