First Street is about to be in the limelight… The Manchester Film Festival returns to Manchester city centre later this month, stealing the show for its 12th year. And it’s all happening right outside our doors, here at House of Social. As one of the country’s few BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying festivals, MFF is highly respected by filmmakers, actors and self-proclaimed cinephiles alike. Founder Neil Jeram-Croft describes this year’s festival as the “most ambitious one yet.” “We can’t wait to welcome audiences this March for ten days of powerful storytelling, standout premieres and inspiring conversations,” he continues. With 52 feature films on the calendar, including nine UK debuts and eight world premieres, this year’s MMU is about to blow the North West film scene out of the water. Household names featured this year Adam Driver, Mads Mikkelsen, Tom Hardy, Angelina Jolie, and more. Want to join in on the lights, camera, action? (see what we did there?) Here’s everything that’s happening in First Street for the 2026 Manchester Film Festival.

HOME Cinema

First Street’s darling, HOME Cinema, is one of the leading venues of Manchester Film Festival this year, bringing old faces and new to the neighbourhood. HOME’s line-up consists of five debut showings: Saturday 21st March @ 6pm – Lady + Q&A Starring Sian Clifford from cult-favourite Fleabag, Lady is an unflinching portrayal of class, celebrity and the desire for connection. The showing will be followed by a Q&A with director Samuel Abrahams. Monday 23rd March @ 6pm – Surviving Earth + Q&A Based on a true story, Surviving Earth is a touching retelling of a talented musician rebuilding his life in Bristol after fleeing conflict in Yugoslavia. The showing will be followed by a Q&A with director, Thea Gajić. Wednesday 25th March @ 8:15pm – Misper + Q&A This missing person story told differently, from the outsider’s perspective. Misper is an unravelling of mystery, seasoned with a generous pinch of dark humour. The showing will be followed by a Q&A with director Harry Sherriff and screenwriter Laurence Tratalos. Friday 27th March @ 6pm – Synthesized + Q&A Starring Thomas Turgoose from This Is England, Synthesized follows the story of a music lover with a murderous streak. The showing will be followed by a Q&A with director Chris Green, Thomas Turgoose, Chris Coghill, Sacha Parkinson, Kiran Landa and Neil Bell. Saturday 28th March @ 1pm – North West Shorts 3 + Q&A A collection of six short films from North West filmmakers to watch. All screenings will be followed with a Q&A with the featured filmmakers.

House of Social

Only a two-minute walk from HOME Cinema, House of Social Food Hall is the perfect spot for a pre-film pint or post-show dinner. We’re excited to welcome the North West’s creative community through our doors, and celebrate 10 days of cinematic bliss. Already part of our close-knit student community upstairs? Round up your film-fanatic friends and book your MFF tickets.