Launched in 2020 and led by CAN’s Creative Producer, Michelle Udogu, Creative Pulse has worked with children and young people from new migrant communities, including those who have experienced forced migration.
The film Manchester Life was an inspiring celebration of Manchester’s young people’s resilience and creativity.
Manchester Life recorded the voices of 35 young people aged 11 – 18, which evolved into an audio piece for a short film. The film also featured visual art created by the group.
The piece focused on how young people from across the globe connect with Manchester and their feelings about being young in the city.
The collaboration supported a group of young people transitioning through a difficult time in the UK to make a powerful and celebratory work.
Participants had roots in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Syria, Pakistan, Libya, Kurdistan, Jordan, Tunisia, Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Georgia, Palestine and Ghana.
The young artists worked with Phoebe, a freelance theatre-maker, director and facilitator, to create the powerful short film, Manchester Life, co-created with a group of young people.
The creative team included Godfrey Pambalipe, who led on music and storytelling, and audio recording producer Basirat Ajanaku.
With post-production by George Jenkins, Manchester Life also shares the group’s creative journey.
Manchester Life will be screened as part of Peshkar’s strand in Oldham’s Digital Festival x Young Digitals Festival in March 2025.
Phoebe McSweeney was supported through Peshkar’s 2024 / 2025 Artist Development Programme.
Photographs – Shirlaine Forrest.
Creative Pulse is supported by BBC Children In Need and the Granada Foundation.
