Under embargo until: 00.01hrs Tuesday 25 November 2008
Film screening to show views and experiences of Bradfordians
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation will tonight (25 November) host an event at the National Media Museum which will give a voice to some of Bradford's different communities. The event, Communities Bradford, will screen films made by local and international film-makers working with community groups in Bradford. A Q&A session will take place after the films to discuss the issues raised.
The films, directed by three community groups in Bradford (Women Working Towards Excellence, West Bowling Youth Initiative and Active Faith Communities), highlight the different views of people living in and around Bradford. However, they all have the same messages:
- Different communities do want to work together;
- Communities need neutral shared spaces and shared social activities, in which to come together;
- Digital media can give a voice to people who may otherwise go unheard.
The Women Working Towards Excellence film showcases views and experiences of Muslim women participating in film-making for the first time. The films: In our defence, Driving out stereotypes and Traditions in a changing society challenge stereotypes by showing Muslim women taking part in sports such as golf and Jujitsu.
In my name, by the West Bowling Youth Initiative group, features Muslim men talking about their attitudes towards British Muslim identity, the role of women and education. They speak candidly about what it means to be a Muslim man in Bradford, their hopes for their families and the legacies they wish to leave.
The film, Holme Wood voices, by local group Active Faith Communities, hears from residents on the Holme Wood estate and asks them about migration, generational differences and the future. People in the film suggest solutions to the problems facing people living on the estate.
Bana Gora, JRF Bradford Manager, said: "We are really excited to be hosting a film premiere showcasing some of our most recent work in the city in this innovative and accessible way. The films, as well as the discussions afterwards, will give Bradfordians the opportunity to engage openly in an honest and frank discussion around issues highlighted in the films."
Notes to Editors:
- More information about the projects is available at www.jrf.org.uk.
- The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is one of the largest social policy research and development charities in the UK. It supports a research and development programme that seeks to understand the causes of social difficulties and explore ways of overcoming them.
- JRF is committed to a ten-year programme of engagement in Bradford. In partnership with statutory organisations and third sector organisations, JRF wants to make a positive difference to the people of Bradford by funding research into the challenges facing the city; investing in the development of services in Bradford; and working with others to ensure that Bradford’s assets are maximised.
Issued by Charlotte Morris, JRF Senior Media Relations Manager:
07800 615 105 / 01904 615 919 / 020 7278 9665
charlotte.morris@jrf.org.uk
