What’s a creative? New film Think North sets out to explain

HEADS and Jack Fox Productions are to host a special community screening and panel event for a new film spotlighting the people powering Manchester’s creative scene

Think North celebrates Manchester’s creative community, and will premiere at a special public screening in the city this month, bringing together some of the people and stories behind the project.

The film, created by Jack Fox Productions x HEADS, is an “advert-poem” described as a love letter to Manchester and the wider Northern creative scene. The project shines a light on the artists, makers, founders and community voices helping shape culture across Greater Manchester.

The official screening will take place on Sunday 12 April 2026 at CUPRA City Garage Manchester, followed by a panel conversation around creativity, representation and the importance of backing Northern talent.

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At the heart of the film is a simple question: “What’s a creative?” From there, Think North follows a young boy and his grandma across Greater Manchester, meeting the people who answer that question through poetry, performance and lived experience.

Built using real responses from Northern creatives, the film has been shaped by the community it celebrates, featuring contributors from across Manchester’s worlds of performance, music, fashion, food, photography, broadcasting and visual art.

The screening is designed as both a launch moment for the film and a celebration of the city’s creative energy, with organisers hoping it will spark conversation around visibility, opportunity and the future of creative careers in the North.

Jack Donohoe, founder of Jack Fox Productions, said: “Think North is a love letter to Manchester’s creative scene, written and performed by the people living it. This screening is a chance to bring that energy together in one room and celebrate the people who make this city what it is.”

Liam Heeley, founder of HEADS, added: “Manchester is full of talent, ideas and ambition. We wanted to create a moment that gives that community the spotlight it deserves and opens up a wider conversation about why Northern creativity matters.”

The event will feature the film screening, contributor celebration and panel discussion.

The Think North launch screening takes place on Sunday 12 April 2026, from 6pm to 8pm, at CUPRA City Garage Manchester, 4–6 St Ann Street, M2 7LG. Tickets are via Skiddle.

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