A film-making project for homeless men in Manchester has successfully taught participants a range of film-making skills, enhancing their self-esteem, confidence and employability in the process.
Run in 2006 by the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Manchester with funding from the MLA, the project aimed to bring the Museum’s collection objects to life by telling stories about the people for whom they have special significance. This was in line with the MLA’s regional drive to open up collections to new audiences by revealing the ‘hidden histories’ that lie behind museum objects.
Films shown in central Manchester
Participants – all homeless men from the Manchester area – were invited to select objects from MOSI’s collection as the focus of their own short film. The films were then shown on the BBC Big Screen in central Manchester, and received coverage in the local press, The Big Issue and The Guardian.
As research for their films, participants spent three afternoons at the Museum in order to familiarise themselves with the collections.
"Each person chose the objects which enabled them to reflect on their lives, whether by reminiscing about the past or by expressing their hopes for the future,” said John McCormack, the professional film-maker leading the project. ”
The memories triggered by the objects helped the participants establish a narrative for their films.” For one man, the smell of the fabric in the cotton gallery reminded him strongly of his father, who worked in the cotton industry. Other objects used to inspire ideas included washing machines, old fashioned cameras and photographs of the Manchester Ship Canal.
Editing at Manchester College of Arts and Technology
This was followed by a film-making course and location filming at the men’s hostels and various sites in and around Manchester. Finally, the group spent three weeks at Manchester College of Arts and Technology learning how to edit their films.
Participants were able to acquire a range of practical skills from the project, which included learning how to operate a digital camera; developing storylines; using computers and film editing. As a result, the men enhanced their self-esteem, confidence and employability. Engagement with the collections and the film-making process also gave them a chance to explore their identities and express their aspirations.
"In an evaluation of the project, the film makers all recorded feelings of enjoyment, achievement and confidence from the experience – so it’s been a success all round,” said Charlotte Smith the project lead at MOSI.
Following the project, MOSI has gained a new insight into how it can work with other organisations to support vulnerable groups and strengthened its partnership with the ECHG. The Museum displayed the finished films in its Collections Centre to challenge visitors’ perceptions of homelessness.
For more detailed information on the Manchester MOSI film-making project, please visit the case study section on the MLA research website