We’re thrilled to announce that our team took home two awards at the FOCAL International Awards on Thursday 18th June.  Our reminiscence resource, Memory Bank: Bradford, won Best Use of Footage on Innovative Platforms and our Co-Director | Head of Collections, Megan McCooley, was named Footage Person of the Year.

Best Use of Footage on Innovative Platforms - Memory Bank: Bradford

We feel incredibly proud of Memory Bank – a reminiscence resource designed for older and underrepresented audiences, including people living with dementia.  Created to celebrate Bradford 2025 City of Culture, it brings screen heritage into care settings and homes through a simple, accessible website, curated archive films, and a rich user guide that sparks meaningful conversations and shared memories.

We’re extremely grateful to our project funders, the Harry and Mary Foundation, to YFA/NEFA’s Ruth Patman and Andy Burns for leading on and producing the resource, as well as to Mandy Tennant, our Memory Bank Champion.

Footage Person of the Year – Megan McCooley

Megan is a champion for the value of regional collections and a passionate advocate for the Screen Heritage sector. She has been pivotal in transforming the Yorkshire and North East Film Archive, leading the development of our Strategic Plan 2025–2030, shaping our future vision, and embedding our core values.

She also played a key role in our 2025 merger with York St John University. Megan’s dedication and leadership are helping to safeguard and sustain access to our collections for generations to come.

A hugely well-deserved recognition!