Bradford to appear on TV – in Malaysia

Producers of Kau Tak Pernah Jauh which translates as "You Never Be Away" and Mimpi Sabrina or Sabrina's Dream approached Bradford Council for permission to film in the city having seen it earn the Unesco title last year.

Councillor Paul Flowers, Bradford Council's portfolio holder responsible for culture, tourism and sport, said: "I am not aware of the city ever being used as a location for a TV show or film screened as far away as Malaysia before so it is great that the crew enjoyed such a successful shoot.

"It is testament to the power of the City of Film status that these producers would pick Bradford as their preferred location."

Actors and crew spent two days recording around Bank Street and Market Street, Bradford Cathedral and Bradford University, where the main characters fulfil their dream of studying overseas.

The programmes are aimed at 16 to 30-year-olds and will be broadcast on a satellite channel watched by about four million people in Malaysia and Brunei later this year.

Peg Alexander, director of the City of Film initiative, said: "As the world's first official Unesco City of Film one of our aims is to help film makers see that Bradford is a world-class place to make film.

"Here in Bradford we have fantastic locations for amazing movies – from inner city backdrops for both current and period pieces, to outstandingly beautiful rural and industrial landscapes. It's very exciting and we expect to see more of this in the future."

Programme producer Faiz Helimi said: "It was a wonderful experience having this beautiful city in our drama project and we wish that we could come again."