The accolade elevates Bristol to the same status as Bradford, Sydney, Galway and Rome and sits alongside the naming of Manchester as a UNESCO City of Literature.
Both awards are made by the NESCO Creative Cities Network which supports and recognises cultural diversity and sustainable urban development in 54 countries covering seven creative fields: Crafts & Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Music and Media Arts.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Arts, Heritage and Tourism at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, John Glen MP said: “This is fantastic news for both Bristol and Manchester and recognition of their global significance to film and literature.
“This UNESCO designation will enhance their reputation around the world and help forge strong partnerships with other nations.
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said “This is fantastic news and a ringing endorsement of Bristol’s position as a world leader in film production, education and training.
“Our reputation as a diverse and creative city has long helped to attract productions and talent across film, TV drama, animation and of course natural history. I hope this recognition will be a catalyst for bigger opportunities for the city and Bristolians to showcase Bristol as a centre for film.
“Bristol’s cultural sector is a diverse industry that plays an important role in breaking down the barriers inequality creates.
“Our ambition is that the education, training and employment opportunities developed by the sector will benefit all communities across Bristol and being named as an UNESCO City of Film is a step towards meeting this goal.”
Fiona Francombe, Site Director of Bristol based Bottle Yard Studios said: “This is a great result, we warmly welcome the recognition that UNESCO City of Film status will bring to Bristol, a city with film and TV production at its core.
“In recent years The Bottle Yard Studios has attracted new attention from producers at home and abroad, providing fresh opportunities for the local industry, but it’s also important to note that the longevity of Bristol’s filming heritage is testament to its outstanding specialist workforce.
“The art directors, set builders, camera operators, supporting artistes, make-up artists, costume designers, visual effects and post production specialists – talented experts that help this sector stand out as an essential cornerstone in Bristol’s cultural and economic success.
“This new status will raise Bristol’s profile on the international stage even further. It will bolster our reputation as a city that offers the full package of support and really understands the language of filmmaking.”
