Two of MIA’s aims are to promote the history of the Italian community and preserve its heritage. With these in mind it commisioned the production of a short documentary video, ‘Roots of the Vine’.

The video uses extensive interview footage of older members of the community, who recall their first-hand experiences of life in Ancoats Little Italy. It mixes interviews of both the older and younger generations, along with archive footage and pictures, to tell the moving story of Italians in Ancoats and their memories of living there.

The video was made possible thanks to a collaboration with Community Arts North West, Northwest Arts Board, Manchester City Council and Awards For All – Lottery Grants for Local Groups. As a lottery funded project the video is not available for purchase, however MIA regularly arrange for the video to be shown at public events such as local history talks and exhibitions. Any interested parties are welcome to contact MIA to arrange a showing.