Bristol UNESCO City of Film and University of Bristol join forces to strengthen city’s global screen ambitions

The agreement formalises the strategic partnership between Bristol’s UNESCO City of Film designation, led by Bristol City Council, and the University of Bristol’s Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences.

The partnership will bring together Bristol’s internationally recognised screen sector with the University’s research, teaching and global connections. It will support new opportunities for collaboration across film, media, creative industries, academic research, skills, civic engagement and international exchange.

Bristol was designated a UNESCO City of Film in 2017 in recognition of its rich film heritage, vibrant screen industries and commitment to creativity and cultural exchange. It is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which brings together more than 400 cities in over 100 countries, including 30 UNESCO Cities of Film.

The new agreement will help strengthen Bristol’s role as a leading centre for screen-based creativity and research, while supporting the city’s wider ambitions for inclusive growth, cultural innovation and global engagement.

Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said:

“It’s brilliant to be formalising the partnership between Bristol’s UNESCO City of Film designation and the University of Bristol through the signing of this Memorandum, reflecting our shared commitment to supporting the city’s ambitions as a thriving, inclusive and globally connected film hub. Building on our values of civic engagement, cultural innovation and global outreach, this newly cemented relationship will only strengthen Bristol’s position as a leading centre for screen-based creativity and research.”

Professor Esther Dermott, Pro Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Bristol, said:

“I am delighted to be able to realise this partnership which reflects our commitment to investing in and scaling up work in the strategically important creative and cultural industries. It offers us an opportunity to work collaboratively with the City Council and partners across Bristol to integrate our cutting-edge education and research with commercial partners and sector leading organisations. It will provide new opportunities for global opportunities across the creative sector as both Bristol and Mumbai (the home of our newest University campus) hold UNESCO City of Film status.”

The partnership also creates opportunities to build stronger links between Bristol and Mumbai, both of which are UNESCO Cities of Film. The University of Bristol’s new Mumbai Enterprise Campus is due to open this summer and will offer postgraduate degrees in areas including finance, data science and the arts.

Through the Memorandum of Understanding, Bristol UNESCO City of Film and the University of Bristol will work together to harness the power of film and screen culture to support inclusive growth, amplify diverse voices and strengthen Bristol’s role on the global stage.

Bristol’s UNESCO City of Film designation plays a strategic role in convening partnerships, aligning local initiatives with global goals and supporting the sustainable development of the city’s film, television and moving image sector.

As part of the wider UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Bristol contributes to international collaboration and knowledge exchange, while showcasing the city’s pioneering screen industries to global audiences.

Find out more about Bristol UNESCO City of Film: www.bristolcityoffilm.co.uk