Bradford poets will come together on the city’s big screen tomorrow to mark National Poetry Day.
Earlier this year, poets of all ages and backgrounds gathered for a studio filming session facilitated by Bradford UNESCO City of Film and Bradford Libraries.
The result was 24 short films, with poets using dramatic backgrounds, lighting and props to bring their poetry to life for the screen.
The subject matter was diverse, ranging from the story of an undertaker to one man’s passion for wearing hats. The poems will be recited in several different languages, from English to Farsi.
The project, which is in its third year, has been led by Bradford Libraries in partnership with Bradford UNESCO City of Film. The films were produced by local filmmaker Richard Alexander.
Project lead, Dionne Hood, Development Officer for Reading and Stock at Bradford Libraries said: “The poets really enjoyed the filming as for many it was a first time experience in a studio. We have an incredibly creative and growing network of poets in Bradford and National Poetry Day is the perfect platform to let all this talent shine.”
David Wilson, director of Bradford UNESCO City of Film, added: “This year’s poems are diverse in subject and dramatic in delivery. It is fabulous to be working with Bradford Libraries again and sharing the poetic talent of the city with a wider audience.”
