Bradford-made short documentary The Belles now available to watch online

February 16, 2026 Off By admin

A new short documentary filmed in and around Bradford is now available to stream online, telling the story of a local group of women using performance to challenge assumptions about ageing.

The Belles, directed by filmmaker Jon King, follows the Bradford Belles, a community ensemble of women in their sixties and older, as they prepare for a carnival-style performance featuring dance, colour and humour. The film centres on the group’s weekly rehearsals and the friendships behind the troupe, as members come together in silver wigs and sparkly costumes.

*“The Bradford Belles are a local community group like no other.” says King.*

The documentary was shot on location with a minimal production approach, focusing on conversations with the group and their preparation for upcoming performances. It also touches on the role community arts can play in connection and well-being, as well as the impact of social attitudes towards older people.

The Belles’ choreographer said of director Jon King:

“We hardly knew Jon was in our midst and his quiet confidence gave us the reassurance to simply go about what we do and to give him free rein to chronicle our truth, which he did with honesty & sensitivity”.

The Belles has previously screened at film festivals in Manchester, Sheffield and Brazil, and is now being made available online.

To watch for you self, visit: https://subscribepage.io/watch_the_Belles

A View From Our Editor: The Belles is an intimate and touching short documentary that shines the spotlight on a unique community group that supports women in the Bradford district as they tackle issues around ageing and keeping active into retirement. Filmed in and around the district, the documentary features candid conversations overlaying a fly on the wall view of The Belles as they practice, prepare and perform a show in Shipley. Jon King’s presentation here is fabulous, capturing the importance of groups such as The Belles within communities. Well worth watching.