PRESS RELEASE
YORKSHIRE, UK – [21st July 2026] – The Yorkshire Film Festival (YFF) is proud to announce its inaugural presentation, taking place 4 August 2026 as a flagship highlight within the prestigious Bradford African Festival of Arts (BAFA), running across the city from 3 August 2026 to 8 August 2026. Established to shine a spotlight on exceptional storytelling from across the region, the nation, and every corner of the globe, this landmark event positions Yorkshire as a premier destination for cinematic excellence and cultural exchange.
The festival is guided by *Christopher Iheuwa,* an accomplished filmmaker, administrator, author, actor, producer and director for motion picture, television, and stage; he is also an Arts Council England ; Global Talent visa recipient. Recognised by the Council for his immense contributions across the creative spectrum including theatre, stage plays, festival direction, production management, and filmmaking. Iheuwa brings a wealth of international experience. Having journeyed from Nigeria to the UK, he has built an extraordinary career spanning over 200 film and theatre projects produced across Nigeria and other countries worldwide.
Beyond his work on screen, Iheuwa is an acclaimed playwright whose works have been widely performed:
• His plays Second Thoughts and Palm Tree in London have toured extensively across UK and American theatres; Second Thoughts has also been staged in Nigeria and recently concluded a tour of five UK cities: Brighton, Scarborough, Leeds, Droitwich and Bradford, with more to follow.
• Palm Tree in London, has been performed in Nigeria, in Philadelphia (USA), and several cities across the UK.
• Looking ahead, he is preparing to tour the sequel to ‘Palm Tree in London’ , ‘Colours’ to cities across the UK, United States, and Canada early next year.
His leadership has also cemented the festival’s affiliation with BAFA, ensuring high professional standards and access to world-class industry networks.
Sharing the vision as Co‑Founder and convener of BAFA under the OAK Initiative is Dr. Olusola Kolawole, a distinguished business management professional and creative leader. An alumnus of the University of Bradford, Dr. Kolawole holds a background in Business Management and possesses deep expertise in Management and Arts Festivals ; his distinct blend of commercial acumen and artistic insight has been pivotal in shaping the festival’s inclusive ethos, bridging his Nigerian‑UK heritage with the vibrant creative energy of West Yorkshire to build a truly international platform.
Hosted in the dynamic creative hub of Bradford , UNESCO City of Film, the festival extends its reach across the wider Yorkshire region, throughout the UK, and to audiences and creators from every continent in the world.
The Yorkshire Film Festival exists to:
• Showcase bold, original work that transcends borders and cultural boundaries;
• Empower students, young aspiring actors and filmmakers, and minority communities from all races and continents, removing barriers to professional entry;
• Elevate Yorkshire’s global profile as a world‑class centre for innovation, culture, and film production;
• Foster meaningful collaboration between local emerging talent and established international industry leaders.
“We are not just a regional festival; we are a gateway,” says Director Christopher Iheuwa. “Achieving global recognition for the Yorkshire Film Festival means unlocking life‑changing opportunity for our local filmmakers to be seen on the world stage, and for creators everywhere to find a welcoming, diverse, and world‑class home right here in the North of England.”
In its very first year, the festival has received an overwhelming response, with entries arriving from every continent on Earth. A significant portion of submissions comes from young, aspiring artists and student filmmakers, proving the festival’s promise to nurture the next generation is already being realised. These creators bring diverse perspectives from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, speaking the universal language of cinema.
The launch enjoys strong backing from key regional and national bodies. Confirmed attendees and partners include senior representatives from:
• Arts Council England
• University of Bradford
• Bradford City Council
• Bradford – UNESCO City of Film
Dr. Olusola Kolawole comments: “As a graduate of the University of Bradford, this is a homecoming of immense pride. This festival stands for exactly what Bradford and Yorkshire represent: openness, enterprise, creativity, and excellence. We are creating a space where the student and the seasoned professional, the local and the global, sit side‑by‑side as equals.”
A globally recognised Yorkshire Film Festival offers transformative advantages for all involved:
✅ Worldwide Exposure: Filmmakers gain international press, distribution pathways, and high‑level networking opportunities.
✅ Empowerment for All: Priority access, mentorship, and development support for minority groups, emerging talent, and students.
✅ Regional Growth: Major boost to the local economy, cultural tourism, and the enduring reputation of Yorkshire and Bradford as a leading global film location.
✅ Industry Access: Direct links to BAFA‑affiliated professionals, funding bodies, and leading educational institutions.
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