A Wigan-based organisation secures funding for working-class documentary filmmakers
A Wigan company that specialises in making documentaries is celebrating a windfall which can target the less advantaged in society
Wigan-based documentary film-making organisation Doc North has secured £42,000 of annual funding through the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Culture Fund 2026-29 programme, enabling it to expand opportunities for working-class documentary filmmakers across the region.
The GMCA funding will enable Doc North to expand its support for emerging Northern documentary talent, ensuring that people from working-class communities have more opportunities to tell their own stories.
CEO Natasha Hawthornthwaite said: “In an industry where only eight per cent of people are working-class, there’s a real need to create opportunities and increase visibility for regional talent.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig said: “Shared cultural experiences are powerful opportunities to bring people together, create opportunities and build pride.
“Doorstep access to everything from theatre to live music, dance to documentary filmmaking, has the power to transform lives and shape communities.
“The Culture Fund is a key part of my commitment to putting things to do at the heart of our towns.”
Doc North is already delivering a range of initiatives across Greater Manchester.
The community interest company is partnering with Into Film and Leigh Youth Hub this October half term to run a documentary bootcamp for 16 to 19-year-olds, and they’ll be working with HOME and the BFI Film Academy on a screening in December.
As part of their Northern Doc Fund, the organisation recently pledged to support two new filmmakers during a live pitching session at Bolton Film Festival.
The session was judged by Documentary Film Council CEO and producer Mandy Chang, award-winning documentary filmmaker Kim Hopkins and executive producer Waël Kabbani.
The pitch was followed by a networking social, attended by BAFTA nominated Actress Maxine Peake and Green Party MP Hannah Spencer.
Both spoke on the importance of the Northern Doc Fund.
Maxine said: "We need more people from working-class backgrounds in the business being funded and being supported."
Hannah added: "It's absolutely amazing that Doc North are giving opportunities to working-class people”.
Operations director Scott Bradley added: “Many of our Northern Doc Fund alumni have screened their work as far as New York.
“Doc North is proud to be able to support and develop Northern documentary filmmakers from working-class backgrounds to go on to share their stories further afield.”
Neil Harris, business manager for culture, arts and heritage at Wigan Council, said: “We are delighted to support Doc North CIC and its ambition to create opportunities for working-class filmmakers across Greater Manchester.
“By investing in local talent, skills development and authentic storytelling, the organisation will help ensure that more people can access careers in the creative industries and that the stories of our communities are seen and heard.
“This is exactly the kind of cultural activity that strengthens places, creates opportunity and showcases the rich talent that exists across Wigan and the wider city-region.”
Doc North was set up by the founders of Northern Heart Films, Natasha Hawthornthwaite and Scott Bradley.
As a not-for-profit company, it is solely dedicated to empowering working‑class documentary filmmakers and amplifying northern stories through funding, networking and workshops.