A defiant and proud documentary from SNE Studios, The Success of Moss Side challenges the stereotypes of Manchester’s inner-city neighbourhood with intimate portraits of the community – a football coach nurturing dreams, a mother channelling grief into activism and a music producer weaving the area’s soul into sound.
Moss Side 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.
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.
The inner-city Manchester neighbourhood has long been associated with violence, crime and poverty in the public consciousness. But Baka, who grew up in Moss Side, wants to illustrate the community spirit, creativity and activism rooted in the area.
Baka Bah said: “As I got older, I started questioning why I felt ashamed to say I was from Moss Side, and the way people looked at me when I did say it.
“I understand where the stigma comes from, but I feel like a lot of it stems from the reputation of Moss Side about 30 years ago. We have such a caring community here and it’s kind of crazy we still get the same story told about us.
“I wish people knew they could just walk through Moss Side and be OK. I’ve heard people say that when they go to work, they will literally drive around Moss Side because it’s too dangerous. This is sometimes from people who have never set foot in the area.”
Although he is the first person in his family to enter the film industry, many of his family members in Gambia have worked in production and for radio. He has had an interest in filmmaking since childhood and has recently co-founded SNE Studios CIC with the director of the documentary, Elmi Ali, to continue his engagement with his community.
He said: “I grew up watching documentaries by David Attenborough and that style of filmmaking has always been something that I’ve been drawn towards.
“There’s something magical in in that form of storytelling, because it’s just so truthful and raw. And this is especially so with this documentary because it’s not filmed from an outsider’s perspective. I have a personal connection with every single person I interviewed. “
Among those people is Bah’s childhood football coach, Ahmed Yassin, who he has credited as force of change and inspiration for the area and his own upbringing.
Another interviewee is Bah’s aunt, Suwaidu Sanyang. Her son, Bah’s cousin, was murdered during a street party in 2020.
Bah said: “I wanted to capture the support she got from the community and the strength that they gave her to be able to go through something like this. It’s important to acknowledge the realities of life in Moss Side as well as the positives.“
The Success of Moss Side will premiere on Saturday 6th September at Factory International, Manchester.
