A brand-new documentary from SNE Studios, The Success of Moss Side, challenges the stereotypes of Manchester’s inner-city neighbourhood with intimate portraits of the community.
The defiant and proud film explores a variety of stories stemming from the area: a football coach nurturing dreams, a mother channelling grief into activism and a music producer weaving the area’s soul into sound.
The film’s creators want to spotlight the traits of Moss Side that are often overlooked due to external perceptions of crime, violence and poverty. To locals, Moss Side is a thriving hub of community solidarity, musical heritage, and intellectual dynamism. It’s where families put down roots, independent businesses grow, and grassroots initiatives empower the next generation. It’s home to key workers who sustain the city’s heartbeat, yet their stories rarely make the news.
Directed by Elmi Ali and produced by SNE Studios’ co-founder and filmmaking student Baka Bah, the 40-minute film ‘reveals a Moss Side that the headlines ignore.’
Baka Bah, Producer and CEO of SNE Studios, said: “Creativity for me is a vehicle for change, especially when sharing stories from the community, by the community. We didn’t make this documentary to deny the challenges, we made it to showcase the strength, beauty and resilience that grows in spite of it.”
A red carpet premiere of The Success of Moss Side will be taking place at Aviva Studios on Sat 6 Sep. The event includes a post-screening Q&A with Baka Bah and Elmi Ali, plus key activists and members of the community, including Erinma Bell, CEO of Families Against Violence James Gregory, Director of Claremont Youth Project Ahmed Yassin and Marie o’Neill-Steinegger from We Love MCR Charity; a DJ set by Abnormal Sleepz and a live performance from members of So Solid Crew.
For more information about the premiere and to book tickets, click the button below.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Wed 3 Sep 2025
