A 100-SEATER mobile cinema, aboard a giant truck, will park up in City Park for the first Bradford International Film Summit.

The event takes place from March 4 to 6 and guests so far announced include the chairman of BAFTA and the controller of Business for BBC Children's TV.

Film and TV executives and international guests will descend on the city for a packed programme showcasing the work of Bradford's City of Film team, and highlighting what the district offers for film and TV production.

A series of seminars, events and screening will focus on film and TV production, business opportunities and education, and how film can help drive social and economic change.

The programme will be based around four themes:

* Visit - showcasing the film-friendly city of Bradford and its surrounding areas

* Learn - sharing information about the Bradford Film Literacy Programme, Bradford University and Bradford College’s International Film School

* Make - promoting the growing opportunities for businesses to capitalise on opportunities presented by film production.

* Enjoy - celebrating the best of films ‘Made in Yorkshire’ with a series of screenings in community venues

The Cinemobile will make its way to Bradford from Galway in Ireland, designated a UNESCO City of Film last month. The articulated truck, which converts into a 100-seater cinema, will be set up in Centenary Square throughout the summit, showing screenings for the public and school groups.

Summit guests will include representatives from the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and UK film industry professionals, including BAFTA chairman Anne Morrison.

Bradford Breakthrough will host a seminar showcasing the range of opportunities for local businesses to benefit from ‘the business of film’. "From taxis, catering and construction to accommodation and printing, film and TV productions have a wide range of needs that can be fulfilled by businesses in the district," said summit organiser and Bradford City of Film director David Wilson. "This event will share information about the needs of the film and TV industry and provide an opportunity to question those already working with productions."

Women Making Movies sees Director of Women in Film and TV UK, Susan Brand, leading a discussion on women developing careers in film and TV. Focus of Children’s Film and TV will be led by Liz Molyneux, a freelance TV executive and journalist, who will discuss global trends in children’s film and TV and the implications and opportunities presented by the recent introduction of tax credits in this area. Guests include Barney Goodland, Company Manager of Magic Light Productions, which was behind the animation of the Gruffalo and Room on the Broom and Jackie Myburgh, Controller of Business for BBC Children’s.

Mr Wilson said: “We are delighted with the programme of events for Bradford’s first International Film Summit, which been made possible with some fantastic support from our partners BBC, the British Film Institute, Screen Yorkshire, Bradford College and Bradford University.

“Since Bradford received the title of UNESCO City of Film in 2009, we have used the power of film and TV to create real social and economic change."

Sally Joynson, chief executive of Screen Yorkshire added: "The Bradford Film Summit provides the perfect platform to showcase why this region is the ideal place to film.

“Bradford has already hosted numerous film and TV projects, including the recently launched Testament of Youth film where an entire street in Little Germany was dressed to look like the year 1918."

Most events at the Bradford International Film Summit are free but attendees must pre-register. For more information visit bradfordcityoffilm.com/summit.

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