Our Films
Discover the powerful films created by the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG) and its members.
Our films showcase collaborations with various stakeholders, introducing key aims, co-produced approaches, and disseminating findings.
Many of these films are co-produced with older people themselves, providing authentic insights into their experiences. We are proud of the impactful stories our members have brought to life, highlighting themes such as age-friendly communities, social infrastructure, and urbanisation.
Additionally, we host film screenings that spark important conversations about social justice and community voices.
MUARG films
MUARG films showcase diverse perspectives on urban ageing, highlighting community-driven research, social inequalities, and the experiences of older residents in both Manchester and other cities around the world.
by Joana Salles
The film highlights the struggles of Molenbeek residents against gentrification, advocating for social housing as a vital solution to preserve their community and heritage while addressing issues of poor living conditions.
by Collyhurst Community Enterprise
‘Collyhurst Voices’ by Collyhurst Community Enterprise explores the history, impact, and residents' perspectives on neighbourhood change and regeneration in Collyhurst, North Manchester.
by passengers with dementia in Greater Manchester, coproduced with James Fletcher
Created by passengers with dementia, and with support from the Wellcome Trust, this film documents their experiences using public transport in Greater Manchester.
by the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG)
Exploring diverse perspectives on age-friendly cities and the importance of older people's voices in shaping urban environments.
by Debora Price and the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG)
Professor Debora Price discusses the profound impact of social inequalities on ageing and the importance of interdisciplinary research to address these challenges.
by Amy Barron
Amy Barron presents a flexible, creative approach to understanding the diverse lives of older people through immersive and participatory methods.
by the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG)
Older residents of Greater Manchester share their lockdown experiences and hopes for the future in a MUARG-led study on COVID-19 and social exclusion.
by the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG)
Older residents of Greater Manchester share their lockdown experiences and hopes for the future in a MUARG-led study on COVID-19 and social exclusion.
by the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG)
A global research initiative by MUARG exploring how age-friendly policies shape the experiences of older people living in cities.
by Joana Salles
Documenting the creative writing journey of Hopton Court’s older residents as they unite to resist gentrification in Hulme, Manchester.
by the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG)
Exploring how Manchester is pioneering age-friendly urban environments through community-driven research and innovative partnerships.
Research films
Research films by MUARG showcase the roles of older people in co-research, the importance of diverse social spaces, and the development of age-friendly communities in urban neighbourhoods.
by Tine Buffel
MUARG Director Tine Buffel explores the role of older people as co-researchers in creating age-friendly communities in Manchester's low-income neighbourhoods.
by Tine Buffel
MUARG Director Tine Buffel highlights the impact of COVID-19 on older people in deprived urban neighbourhoods and advocates for age-friendly recovery strategies.
by Sophie Yarker
Sophie Yarker highlights the importance of diverse social spaces in urban neighbourhoods for the health and wellbeing of older people.
Royal Exchange Theatre Digital Research Project
This series of films, created by older participants in collaboration with the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group, explores themes of creative ageing, personal experiences, and societal issues through storytelling and mentorship.
by Gill Bassam, coproduced with MaoHui Deng and Sophie Everest
Gill Bassam explores her relationship with retirement and how the doorway to the Royal Exchange Theatre led to freedom and a new, exciting life.
by Jackie Corr, coproduced with MaoHui Deng and Sophie Everest
This film by Jackie Corr is a heart-warming personal reflection of how people of Manchester came together to help a man they didn't know.
by Bernard Leach, coproduced with MaoHui Deng and Sophie Everest
Bernard Leach takes a light hearted look at his experience of having a polio limp, and why coming to terms with wearing a surgical boot took him 30 years.
by Jacquie Long, coproduced with MaoHui Deng and Sophie Everest
Jacquie Long talks about her relationship with the Royal Exchange Theatre… with a little help from The Bard.
by Christine Ovens, coproduced with MaoHui Deng and Sophie Everest
Christine Ovens first visited the Royal Exchange Theatre in 1979. In this film, Christine tells how it left a profound effect on her as a theatre-goer and how she has continued, many times, to watch outstanding performances of plays.
by Ann Sarge and Paul Green, coproduced with MaoHui Deng and Sophie Everest
This film, created by Ann Sarge and Paul Green, explores a lifetime of racism and how a wonderful insight revealed a beautiful personal perspective. Please note, this film recounts historic real-life events that include racist language which some audiences might find triggering.
by Glyn Treharne and Tony Cocker, coproduced with MaoHui Deng and Sophie Everest
A short film by Glyn Treharne and Tony Cocker that travels to the past and finds hope for the future.
by David Weston, coproduced with MaoHui Deng and Sophie Everest
David Weston explores the meanings of old and new using the idea of journeys.
Past film screenings
Collyhurst Voices: Community Perspectives on Urban Regeneration
Date: Wednesday, 19 March 2025, 6-7.30pm
Location: International Anthony Burgess Foundation, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester
Description: MUARG event in the Manchester Urban Film Series: a screening of ‘Collyhurst Voices’ (2024), a community-produced film capturing Collyhurst residents’ perspectives on neighbourhood change, heritage, and hopes for the future. Followed by a panel discussion with community members involved in the film.
Projection-Débat “Alerte à Molenbeek”
Date: Tuesday, 26 November 2024, 6.30pm
Location: Nova Cinema, Rue d’Arenberg 3, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Description: Screening of ‘Molenbeek On Watch‘ (2024), a film co-produced with social housing tenants in Molenbeek, Brussels, Belgium. The film highlights the struggles of Molenbeek residents against gentrification, advocating for social housing as a vital solution to preserve their community and heritage while addressing issues of poor living conditions. Followed by a debate on the future of social housing in Brussels.
Exploring Creative Ageing: A Digital Research Project
Date: Wednesday, 6 November 2024, 2-4pm
Location: International Anthony Burgess Foundation, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester
Description: Manchester Urban Ageing Film Screening, part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science. This event showcases films co-created by MUARG and Manchester’s older residents, exploring urban life through their eyes. Followed by a Q&A featuring participants from the films.
All Voices Heard: Making Cities a Great Place to Age
Date: Thursday, 6 June 2024, 2-3.30pm
Location: Alliance Manchester Business School, Booth Street West, Manchester
Description: Screening of the ‘Ageing in Place in Cities’ (2024) short film produced as part of its namesake project, capturing older residents’ views on what makes cities age-friendly. The film features city residents, volunteers at community centres, members of older people boards, and participants of age-friendly services. Followed by a discussion with members of the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group’s Older People’s Forum.