THREE very different films, all shot locally with support from Bradford City of Film, will soon be released in cinemas.

Funny Cow, starring Maxine Peake, (released in April) was filmed at locations including Bradford Playhouse, the Midland Hotel, a house in Saltaire’s Mary Street, Shipley town centre and a cafe in Bradford’s Oastler market. Set in 1970s clubland, the film also stars Paddy Considine, Stephen Graham, Alun Armstrong, Emmerdale actor Dominic Brunt and Vic Reeves.

Producer Kevin Proctor said: “Saltaire and Bradford are incredible, we didn’t need to build sets - it was all there. Everyone was so open and happy for us to film, with all the disruptions that come with that.

“Our film is about a dying aspect of social history - the working men’s club - but it’s also about humanity and community. This isn’t a ‘grim up North’ film. We show people having a good time, in an age people remember fondly.”

Also set for release in April is Ghost Stories, partly filmed in Salts Mill. Starring Martin Freeman, it was written and directed by Jeremy Dyson, a writer on The League of Gentlemen. Originally a London stage hit, the film is in three parts, following the story of an academic who initially sets out to disprove claims of supernatural goings-on, but questions sanity when he encounters three mysterious cases.

Released on Friday is Dark River, filmed in the Dales near Skipton. The moving drama, about a woman returning to her home village after her father’s death to claim the family farm, stars Ruth Wilson, Sean Bean and Game of Thrones actor Mark Stanley. It was directed by Otley-born Clio Barnard, who made 2010 film The Arbor about Buttershaw playwright Andrea Dunbar.

David Wilson, director of Bradford UNESCO City of Film, said: “These three productions are hugely exciting due to the brilliant stories and acting and directing talent. They’re all so different, but with the connection of being made in Yorkshire. It’s not just the stunning landscape and built environment which makes this area great for filming, but the support from key agencies, local authorities and businesses across the region who welcome filming projects and have earned Bradford district a film-friendly reputation.

“I’m in touch with these production companies on a regular basis and all would love to come back and film again in Bradford soon. Watch this space.”