Dami Adetomiwa is the co-founder of the Odyssey Media House, and one of the cinema founders taking part in the Bradford Cinema Creators Programme this year with the National Science and Media Museum. The training programme is part of Bradford: A City of Film, a film exhibition programme across Bradford District for Bradford 2025, delivered in partnership with Bradford 2025 with the support of the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding. The training gives film fans the opportunity to kickstart a community cinema in their local area and learn how to set up their own film screenings, supported by Cinema for All.
We sat down with Dami to discover his story, aspirations, and experience as a Bradford Cinema Creator.
Filmmakers supporting filmmakers
Dami’s journey began two years ago when he and his friend, Marvellous Godson, decided to experiment with filmmaking.
Marvellous wrote a script and, with the support of a local youth community, they produced the film together, not knowing what it would lead to. Four months later, they premiered their film, Joy is Bitter, at The Studio in Bradford. Dami explained the impact:
“The project sparked something bigger. We realised the potential of storytelling and creativity in Bradford, the first UNESCO City of Film, and we founded Odyssey Media House. The name is drawn from the idea of odyssey meaning adventure, which resonated deeply with us because it paid homage to our journey and future ambitions.
“Our mission is to support and empower local filmmakers and foster a community of like-minded people, and provide people with events, film, and music that delight and provide enduring memories.”
The value of community cinema
“I don’t think my cinema would’ve happened without the training programme”.
The Cinema Creators training programme was a turning point for Dami. The Bradford founders have been learning about everything needed to start a cinema from scratch: licensing, marketing, ticketing, programming and sustainability.
Dami continued:
“We’re aiming to use our new skills to champion emerging film talent and kickstart their careers. Learning how to screen films has enabled us to spotlight Bradford’s filmmakers and tell their stories. We’ve developed marketing and community management skills to support the cinema, and it’s good to know there’s a support system we can access to get help and ask questions.”
The structure of the programme provided Dami with a necessary push – it turned concepts and ideas into actions and goals. “Sometimes I think the most difficult thing is to start,” he continued, “the programme’s structure helped us start, and now we are excited for what we can do next.”
Looking to the future
Dami’s first screening since the training took place at Theatre in the Mill, gaining positive feedback from attendees. This has reaffirmed his ambition to continue working towards his goal, and he is now preparing to produce another new film, which he plans to screen in December.
“I’d like to highlight Bradford’s legacy as a UNESCO City of Film and play a part in not letting our heritage be forgotten. Bradford is a City of Film, not was a City of Film.”