Aviva Studios is to host the red-carpet premiere of The Success of Moss Side, an SNE Studios Production, directed by Elmi Ali and produced by Baka Bah, a brand-new documentary framed through the lens of a young filmmaker.
Moss Side, the inner-city Manchester neighbourhood where this this humble scribe spent his formative years during 13 years living in the shadow of the mighty Maine Road hosting the second and third divisions’ finest teams, is often reduced to external perceptions of crime, violence and poverty. While these challenges exist, such narratives overshadow the vibrant, multifaceted reality cherished by its residents – as one speaker in the doc reveals, a Google search on the infamous neighbourhood reveals nothing but “negative articles” and a “one-sided story story” being told.
The Success of Moss Side dismantles the dominant narrative through intimate community portraits: a football coach nurturing dreams, a mother channelling grief into activism, and a music producer weaving the area’s soul into sound. Together, they reveal a Moss Side that headlines ignore – a place of resilience, creativity and unyielding pride.
Co-founded by Baka Bah, SNE Studios is a creative and community-driven media organization with a vision to give people the tools and platform to tell their own stories.
Throughout the event, attendees will be able to enjoy street food stalls from local vendors, a chance for photographs and a live DJ. After the screening, there will be a panel discussion with Baka Bah and youth ambassadors plus an Awards Ceremony for community leaders.
1,200 people are expected to attend the event, while both BBC and ITV news are lined up to cover it.
10% of ticket sale profits for the event, on Saturday September 6, will go towards Families Against Violence and the Salaam Community Association.
