Bradford's new thriller series explores cultural conflicts
- The new BBC thriller series, filmed in Bradford, forms part of the City of Culture celebrations set for next year.
- The narrative centers around Detective Harry Virdee, who struggles with familial estrangement due to cultural differences.
- This production reflects a commitment to regional talent and diversity through initiatives like Screen Academy Bradford.
In the United Kingdom, a new BBC thriller series has been filmed in Bradford as part of the City of Culture celebrations planned for next year. This six-part drama, called Virdee, is based on the novels by local author AA Dhand. The storyline features a detective, Harry Virdee, who faces personal and cultural upheaval after marrying a Muslim woman, thus becoming estranged from his Sikh family. Game of Thrones actor Staz Nair plays the role of Detective Harry Virdee, expressing that the show uniquely showcases vulnerability amongst detective dramas. The production involved significant local collaboration, with over two-thirds of its participants, tutors, and consultants coming from the West Yorkshire region. This local engagement demonstrates an investment in regional talent and the creative community in West Yorkshire. Furthermore, the producers have partnered with Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and Screen Yorkshire to establish the Screen Academy Bradford initiative. This initiative is designed to provide training and opportunities in the TV industry for newcomers and aims to enhance diversity within production teams. A spokesperson highlighted that by supporting local talent through these training programs, the academy would ensure that the stories told on screen resonate with and reflect the rich diversity of the communities they represent. Overall, this production effort not only celebrates Bradford's cultural heritage but also focuses on creating new pathways for talent and stories that mirror the rich tapestry of the region.