How Manchester’s creative community is shaping health, inclusion and the future of film production

Two major initiatives – the Manchester Health Film Festival (MHeFF) and The Kusp are showing how graduates, industry partners, and current students can transform filmmaking into a force for community impact, representation, and sustainable career growth.

Using film to spark change: MetFilm School graduate leads Manchester Health Film Festival

When MetFilm School Manchester graduate Jacob Perrin took on the role of Project Manager for the first Manchester Health Film Festival, he was still in his first year of study. The opportunity to build a festival from the ground up, one uniquely dedicated to health, was something he couldn’t turn down.

“I jumped at the opportunity… The concept of using film as a catalyst to spark health-based discourse was fresh, bold, and unique.” – Jacob Perrin

Working with Freshrb Health Media, Jacob helped develop a festival that championed films exploring both mental and physical health – topics often sidelined in mainstream film culture. By the time the festival debuted in November 2024, MHeFF had:

• 110 seats filled
• 18 films screened
• 8 awards presented
• 14 health conditions covered
• And a sold-out audience for discussions, Q&As, and charity partnerships

It was not only a cultural milestone for Manchester, but also a hands-on masterclass in production, event management, marketing, and industry networking – the very pillars students explore in our BA Film Business & Production course.

MetFilm School’s Role: Industry connection, sponsorship & student opportunity

The festival was strongly supported by MetFilm School:

• MetFilm School Manchester lecturer Baldwin Li (Oscar and BAFTA-nominated) served on the festival’s Film Review Panel, and also presented the Best Short Film Award
• Head of Careers Judith Suckling joined Baldwin for a packed panel discussion
• MetFilm School was a headline sponsor
  Students were offered volunteer production roles, with students Lily Davison and Georgia Moore joining the festival team

For Lily, the experience was both creatively and personally meaningful:

“I felt proud to be part of something focused on raising awareness and impactful storytelling.”

As MHeFF moves toward its 2026 edition, the festival is now seeking new student volunteers, particularly video editors, graphic designers, and writers. The organisers are encouraging MetFilm School students to submit films of any genre that explore health narratives.

Building inclusive, sustainable creative networks: MetFilm School x The Kusp

Alongside MHeFF, MetFilm School Manchester is also hosting the first northern-region collaboration with The Kusp – a creative social enterprise working to diversify and reshape the creative industries.

In October, The Kusp hosted an evening of “safe space networking” in our Manchester campus – designed to bring together:

• MetFilm School students
• Emerging northern talent
• Industry guests
• Underrepresented creatives
• And professionals passionate about accessible, inclusive creative practice

The event is more than networking – it’s a chance for students to connect with mentors, collaborators, and pathways that value wellbeing, inclusivity, and community-first filmmaking.

Why these events matter for Film Business & Production

Both MHeFF and The Kusp collaboration demonstrate what this week’s course topic emphasises:

1. Film production is community-built

From health workers to local charities to film school volunteers, MHeFF shows how filmmaking depends on collaboration across sectors.

2. Creative enterprises start small and grow through vision

Jacob began as a student and ended up managing a festival with national reach. Independent initiatives can become industry platforms.

3. Networks shape careers

Whether through MHeFF panels or The Kusp meet-up, these events connect students with working professionals in meaningful, accessible ways.

4. Social impact is a growing force in the film business

The industry increasingly seeks projects that raise awareness, challenge stigma, and speak to underrepresented experiences.

5. Students can and should get involved early

Volunteering, submitting films, connecting with creative networks: these are the experiences that build sustainable careers.

Looking ahead

With MHeFF returning in November 2026 and The Kusp’s collaboration launching new inclusive networking opportunities, MetFilm School Manchester is becoming a hub where creativity meets impact.

These initiatives offer students the chance to learn about the film industry and actively shape its culture, ethics, and future.

Want to experience MetFilm School Manchester for yourself?

Join us at our Manchester campus on 13 December – meet our lecturers, tour our campus, and discover where your film career could begin.

Book your place at our Open Day here.