What Is Epic Yorkshire And Where Can I See It In Bradford?

Ever feel like you've seen every corner of your local area? Think again. There's a new film called Epic Yorkshire that promises to show the county in a way nobody has ever seen it before. And the best part? The historic Bradford Movie Makers Club is screening it for free.

This is a brilliant bit of entertainment for anyone looking for something special to do, and it's all part of the celebration for Bradford's year as the UK City of Culture.

A new way to see Yorkshire

So, what exactly is Epic Yorkshire: A Journey Through Time? It's not just another travel film. This is a massive project that took filmmaker Christian Wilkinson six whole years to create. He didn't just point a camera at a few pretty hills. Instead, he used some seriously clever tech to capture the spirit of England's biggest county. The film uses a combination of aerial cinematography and time-lapse photography to create a stunning visual experience.

What does that actually mean? Well, aerial cinematography involves using drones to get those sweeping, bird's-eye views that make everything look, well, epic. Imagine floating over the rugged landscapes of Calderdale or the historic streets of Saltaire and York. The time-lapse part is just as cool. It speeds up time, so you can watch the changing skies shift through the seasons in just a few seconds. It's a technique that really shows off the dramatic beauty of Yorkshire's scenery and its rich industrial heritage.

More than just a film, it's a love letter

This project was clearly a labour of love for its creator. The director and producer, Christian Wilkinson, is a Yorkshire-based filmmaker who poured his heart and soul into this independent production. He travelled all over the region, often on his own, to get the perfect shots. It shows a real connection to the place.

Says director and producer Christian Wilkinson: "As a Yorkshire-based filmmaker, I have always been inspired by the region's landscapes, history, and sense of identity. Epic Yorkshire grew from a simple idea - to capture the county in a way no one had ever attempted before. Over six years I travelled across the region, often alone, using drones and time-lapse rigs to patiently record both sweeping aerial perspectives and the subtle passing of time."

He travelled countless miles on Yorkshire's winding roads, far from the typical city commutes, to capture these shots. It shows that you don't need to fly to Australia to see world-class scenery; some of the most spectacular travel and cultural destinations are right on the doorstep, ready to spark curiosity in anyone watching.

He adds: "This film is a love letter to the county where I live and work, and a way of sharing Yorkshire's beauty with the wider world. My hope is that audiences will not only be entertained, but also feel pride, curiosity, and connection - whether they know Yorkshire well or are seeing it for the very first time."

Your free ticket to the show in Bradford

Ready to see it? The Bradford Movie Makers club, which has been around since 1932, is hosting a special screening. It's all happening at their Little Horton clubhouse on October 25th at 7pm. And yes, it's completely free to attend. According to Dave Marshall from the club, it's their way of giving back to the community and contributing to the city's big year.

"This is part of our public shows for autumn. All are free of charge. It's our contribution to Bradford's year as UK City of Culture," says Dave Marshall at the club. This is a fantastic opportunity to see a brilliant new film and support a local institution that's a key part of Bradford's cultural heritage.

Step back in time with archive films

The entertainment doesn't stop with Epic Yorkshire. The club is also opening up its incredible collection of archive films for a special event. On November 29th from 2pm, they are hosting a day of Archive Films, sponsored by Bradford 2025. This is a chance to see genuine footage of local life stretching all the way back to 1935.

Think of it as a time machine. The collection includes everything from old family holidays to amazing footage of John Street Market in its heyday. These films are more than just home movies; they're a record of social history. Members of the club are working hard to digitise all this footage, preserving it for future generations. Dave Marshall mentions people often find forgotten reels in their attics. He says: "We have 2,000-plus films on many formats. People bring in footage like home movies found in attics, some of it is incredible."

About the legendary Bradford Movie Makers Club

Screening these films is the Bradford Movie Makers, one of the oldest amateur film-making clubs in the world. They meet every week in their very own clubhouse, which even has its own proper cinema. The club isn't just a local secret, either. It recently gained wider fame after being featured in the 2022 documentary A Bunch of Amateurs.

The documentary was so well-received that it was released in cinemas and even longlisted for a Bafta. This story, originally highlighted by journalist Emma Clayton, shows just how important and cherished this movie makers club is, not just in Bradford but across the film world.