Bradford College

From Bollywood to Bradford

Visitors from Bollywood jetted into the UK to visit Bradford College Principal, Michele Sutton, OBE and other high level College representatives. The Bollywood delegation arrived from Whistling Woods International - Asia’s largest Film, Television, Animation and Media Arts institute to cement their exclusive partnership with Bradford College.

During their trip to the UK students and staff from Whistling Woods attended an exclusive meeting with Principal, Michele Sutton, OBE to discuss their visit to the UK and involvement with the College. The institute specialises in technical and creative aspects of filmmaking and television. 

With a warm welcome, Principal, Michele Sutton spoke to the students and staff from Whistling Woods International and said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome you all here today.  I went over to India in January and was given a fantastic reception.  I met you all for the first time then. It’s great to see you all again here in the UK.  It’s great that you’re working with our students and getting on so well!”

Michele continued: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to learn from each other, not only from a technical perspective, but also from a cultural perspective. We hope that your visit to the UK will strengthen the long term relationship between the two institutions and provide lasting memories and friendships for both students and staff involved in the project.”

In an innovative, three-year partnership, supported by the UK India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) and British Council new learning and career development opportunities will be created for students from both institutions.  Improving their technical ability and future employment prospects, whilst gaining access to unique skills, facilities and programmes offered by their partner.

Under the exciting new partnership our students will study animation at Whistling Woods International and regularly attend guest lectures given by leading film-makers, actors & technicians. Whilst students from Whistling Woods International will study Photography at Bradford College.  

Commenting on the inspiring new partnership, Photography Course Tutor, Trevor Griffiths said: “This partnership has opened up new and exciting opportunities for students studying Photography at Bradford College.”  The College is an active member of one of the most prestigious professional photography associations in the world, the Association of Photographers.  Trevor added:  “It’s excellent to work in collaboration with a leading University situated in the heart of Bollywood!”  

Trevor went on to outline what work the students from Whistling Woods International would be involved in during their visit to the College.  Explaining more about project, Trevor said: “The initial idea is to put together a three and half minute long animation, filmed both in the UK and in Mumbai as joint collaboration between the two institutions. Filming in the UK starts in June.  Then in September we fly out to Mumbai.  In February we submit the body of work to the animation festival here in Bradford, which will hopefully be screened during the festival.   We will also put forward the footage to the Poona Animation Festival in India for screening!”

Speaking about the joint collaboration between Whistling Woods International and Bradford College, Directorate Project Manager, Ronnie Todd said: “It’s one of a series of initiatives we’re doing with the British Council.  It’s one of the reasons I came to work at the College, because of the internationalisation of the curriculum. It’s great to invite our international visitors here – they’re absolutely fantastic students and staff!  It’s also an excellent opportunity for our students to go to India as it’s important that we look at the cultural heritage of our learning community. India is wonderful and our students and staff will be fortunate enough to experience this.” Ronnie added:  “It’s a great project for the College, as it promotes Bradford on an international stage.”

During their trip to the UK, students and staff from Whistling Woods International will visit some of England's most vibrant and varied cities, including: London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol. Directorate Project Manager, Ronnie Todd, will accompany students and staff on many of the trips.  Ronnie explained: “We’re going to Manchester to visit the Lowry in Salford Quays, which is considered to be one of the most exciting art galleries in Britain.”  

Ronnie joked and added: “Worst of all we’re going to take them to Old Trafford.  The home of the Reds - I hate those Reds! We’re going to watch England Vs Argentina.  They can also have a pie and a pint at the game.  Now that’s proper English culture!” Students will also visit Haworth, the home of the Brontë sisters, the authors behind some of England’s most famous literature, the Bradford Mela and round off their trip with front stage seats to the Bradford School of Arts & Media’s Summer Fashion Show, which showcases the work of the rising stars to emerge from the School.

Jane Briggs, Director of Bradford College International Centre met with students and staff from Whistling Woods during their visit.  Commenting on the exchange programme, Jane said: “The visit is fantastic! It’s a great opportunity for learners here in the UK and learners in India to actually gain knowledge from each other and build a partnership that is exciting and special.  The relationships built now might form exciting business partnerships in two or three years time when the students have gone on to do great things in their careers.” 

The partnership sees the two institutions working together to develop employer engagement.  With the institutions engaging: regional, national and international organisations such as the National Media Museum.   The agreement will also promote the practice and knowledge of Photography - strengthening links with Bollywood, the Commonwealth Games 2010/2014 and the Olympic Games in 2012!

Students and staff from Whistling Woods International spoke with great delight about their trip to the UK and what they enjoyed most about visiting Bradford and the UK.

Zenish, said:  “I love the people, they’re amazing, very friendly and nice.”

During their visit to the UK in June 09, the students and staff from Bollywood were fortunate enough to have great weather, with temperatures soaring to 26C. Kuldap remarked: “I’ve liked the weather and the people of Bradford’s good nature.”

Abhishele commented: “The things I like about the UK and Bradford… well I don’t really know where to begin, as there are so many!  The one thing that stands out is the people, they’re amazing. I love them!”

Lecturer, Dhananja, accompanied the students on the trip and said: “I really like the weather over here.”

Lecturer, Gokul Kesavan remarked: “What I like is the energy that people carry here.”   Gokul joked: “I think back in India we grow old and become more lazy and tired. For example in India we have ISD – Indian Central Time, which means if we say we’ll be there at 9:30, what that really means is that we’ll be there at 9:40.  We’ve learnt from English culture that 9:30 means 9:30.  Gokul added: “The energy here we’re not able to match – that’s what I find amazing.”

Gokul continued: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and staff, not only to make new friends, experience the culture but to also learn about the cultural differences.  It’s also a great opportunity for Bradford College students to come to India and exposing themselves to a completely different culture.  I don’t think they’ll have experienced anything quite like it before. Plus they’re learning new techniques. Although it’s not just about the technical knowledge gained from the visit, it’s also about building great relationships for the future.”