THE director of Bradford’s UNESCO City of Film has stepped down from the role, after 12 years.

Since he was recruited in 2011 David Wilson has played a central role in bringing a variety of film and TV production to Bradford - including Peaky Blinders, The Crown and Gentleman Jack and films The Duke and Downton Abbey.

He told the T&A: “I am really proud of what we have achieved as a UNESCO City of Film, it has been a team effort from many individuals and organisations. There are many highlights for me but having the opportunity to promote my home city at international events and to help other cities join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network has been an honour.

“Closer to home, I have delivered presentations and lectures to students, local groups and business dinners. People are fascinated by Bradford’s rich and varied film heritage. The work of the Bradford Film Office speaks for itself and the city has provided a range of locations for some amazing films and TV productions and provided local employment and opportunities for local businesses.

"I’m really pleased that in recent years we’ve been able to use the network to showcase the work of local film-makers at film festival across the world using our UNESCO connections.

"I am stepping down as I feel I have gone as far as I can with the role and it’s time to put my energy and ideas into something new."

Film producer and former Bradford City of Film chair Steve Abbott said: “I couldn’t have been prouder when my home city became the world’s first City of Film in 2009. Any credit I gained from chairing City of Film until 2019 was undeserved - the hard work was put in by David Wilson and I’m very sorry he’s stepping down.

"Bradford’s recognition as the leading Film city in the UNESCO Creative Cities network was all down to David’s commitment and enthusiasm. Under his direction, the Film Office has made Bradford truly a film-friendly location and put us firmly back on the film map.”

James Bridge, Secretary General, UK National Commission for UNESCO, said: “David has made an extraordinary contribution to Bradford, Unesco in the UK and internationally. 

David is a champion of Bradford, its people and its remarkable achievements.  He’s served as Bradford’s ambassador for its film heritage and its future.

"Using UNESCO’s national and global networks he’s told the story of what Bradfordians achieved and are achieving in the world of film and culture. 

He brought his energy, expertise and enthusiasm for Bradford, film and UNESCO to the UK’s National Commission and inspired and energised us.

"Bradford UNESCO Creative City of Film, the world’s first, is spoken about as a stand out example by policy makers in Westminster and diplomats internationally.

"It’s remarkable that Bradford was the first European city to open a film office in Qingdao in China - the country which is home to the world’s fastest growing cinema industry. 

"David also led the way highlighting how the Creative City of Film is contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. Creative Cities of Film around the world such as Rome come to David and Bradford for advice.

"David leaves a remarkable legacy and global network on which Bradford can continue to build - especially in the run up to its time as City of Culture."