About us
Bradford International Film Festival (BradIFF) is back!
Celebrating the creativity of Bradford’s filmmakers alongside outstanding films from across the UK and beyond, BradIFF brings the magic of cinema to the heart of our UNESCO City of Film. With a rich filmmaking heritage and a thriving creative scene, Bradford has long been a powerhouse for film and television—and in 2025, the city shines even brighter as the UK City of Culture.
Following a fantastic debut in 2024, BradIFF returns—bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever. This year, we continue our commitment to championing diverse voices in cinema, with a special spotlight on Global Majority filmmakers. Through dedicated screenings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, we aim to amplify their stories and celebrate their contributions to the industry.
From October 27th to November 2nd, BradIFF will take over cultural venues across the city, featuring an inspiring lineup of films, special events, and industry discussions. The festival will culminate in our awards ceremony, honouring the best in local and international filmmaking, alongside an industry day designed to bring creatives together and spark new collaborations.
Co-Director -
Jan Ruppe
Jan Ruppe is a writer, producer and teacher living and working in Bradford. Jan trained as an actor at LAMDA and performed on stage and screen for many years She was a published playwright before moving into screenwriting. Since 2021 Jan has moved into film and has written and produced three short films with her company EmJayArts. ‘Trees’ is currently doing the festival circuit and has so far won two awards. ‘Mind Your Language’ was funded by Bradford Council’s small arts grant in 2023.
Co-Director -
louisa rose
mackleston
Louisa is a writer, director and producer and founder of Northern Fortress Films.
For the past six years, Louisa has been working as an Assistant Director in TV & Film. She has recently been awarded the Virgin Money Foundation Young Change Maker Fellowship for her work on creating social change through film and promoting social mobility through careers in the screen industries. She recently gave a TEDx talk on her route into the film industry and why diversity and representation are so important.
Louisa is a member of both the Queer and Disabled community and advocates for equality in the industry, by running accessible sets with inclusion at the heart. She has produced & directed over 14 films since Northern Fortress' inception, in 4 different languages spanning commercials, narrative & documentary format filming across the UK, Italy & Japan.
Alongside the Virgin Money Foundation, Northern Fortress has also been supported by MeWe360's Deutsche Bank Award for Creative Entrepreneurs, PWC & Impact Hubs' Sustain 2.0 program and on various projects by The Leap.