My Life, My My City project challenged Tiktokkers and Insta Aces for ages 11 to 18, making a five-minute film about growing up in Bradford.
Entries had to be submitted in one of three categories. My life (for filmmakers who want to record their lives from birth to the present). My city (for filmmakers who want to display the city from their own perspective); and my life, my city (for those who want to do both).
The best five films were when the makers win a 500 pound voucher, but another 10 makers each receive a 100 pound voucher.
A spokesperson said, “The film, which zooms in on issues ranging from healthcare to career outlook, is a life-changing film for young people living in this year's British Cultural City and young people living in Europe's youngest city. It provided a glimpse into what it is like for the population under 25 years of age.”
The prizes were evaluated by panels such as local film director Louisa Rose McCleston, director of York University's film and television Matt Brannan and portrait photographer Carolyn Mendelsson.
Winner Zafra celebrated Bradford's diversity in the film, saying, “My city is so special for its diversity and to the people how wonderful it is when we all come together.” I wanted you to see it.
“I believe compassion is the key to understanding and accepting one another. My films encourage others to stand up against racism and to see beauty no matter where they come from. I hope for it.”
Meanwhile, the winning teams Ben, Daniel, Vaud and Erlan said their participation was an inspiration to explore the city and turned their eyes to the potential of a filmmaking career.
Ben said: “My life, the competitive process in my city was really amazing and it was a lot of fun.
“We learned new skills and filming helped us find a new place in Bradford that we've never seen before.”
fellow winner Krishna agreed, saying, “I really enjoyed this opportunity in the competition.
“Making a film was a lot of fun, and I also worked on filmmaking skills because I've never done it before.”
The winner's film will appear on the big screen of Centenary Square as part of the 2025 British Cultural City celebration.
Winning videos will also be available for monitoring on Bradford's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@borninbradford2011/videos.
