Explore the diverse and exciting work of the WFA, a Manchester institution for over 40 years, training generations of filmmakers and producing videos out of an old Edwardian warehouse in Hulme.
The Workers’ Film Association (WFA) was an educational co-operative based in inner-city Manchester, working with activists, educationalists, independent film-makers and the voluntary sector for over 40 years. Established in 1975 in North London, it moved to Manchester in 1979, taking over a derelict Edwardian warehouse in Hulme, just south of the city centre. WFA provided media training alongside equipment and facilities hire, and had its own production unit, actively working with local, national and international people and campaigning organisations.
Over those years, the WFA filmed many important events in the North West - events which often get hidden in history. They helped ordinary people to find their voice, and showed them the strength and value of their lives and actions in bringing about change to the benefit of the many and against the narrow interests of the few.
The WFA collection consists of projects and commissions, student productions, and records of events in and around Hulme, Manchester, and the wider region from the 1980s to the 2010s. The WFA finally closed the doors of its Manchester headquarters - the WFA Media & Cultural Centre - in February 2017 with the retirement of the remaining two founding members.