During Pride Month 2025 at Screen Manchester, we are introducing some of the great people with whom we have worked on projects that enjoy an LGBTQIA+ focus.
Today we chat with Louisa Rose Mackleston of Northern Fortress Films who produced Surprise Baby, former Screen Manchester trainee, writer and director Zane Igbe’s debut short feature – a co-pro between Northern Fortress Films and Rope Ladder Fiction.
On her personal experience of the industry Louisa Rose says: “As a queer person navigating this industry, I know how powerful it is to see yourself reflected authentically on screen. That personal connection fuels my passion for storytelling and drives everything I do.
Visibility is more than representation – it validates queer lives and educates wider audiences. It’s a key tool in breaking down stigma and building empathy, especially in today’s climate.
Now, more than ever, we need to amplify queer voices because stories help challenge bigotry and create understanding where it is often found to be lacking.
On the subject of how to make more films in the future Louisa Rose adds: “Telling these stories can’t be left solely to queer creators – commissioners and funders have a responsibility to invest in and platform them. There’s immense value in these narratives, and it’s time the industry treated them as essential, not optional.”
Louisa has attended events created by Screen Manchester for Screen Alliance North. These were made possible by BFI with National Lottery Funding.
Louisa applauds the trend towards making more content in the North: “In the past decade, we’ve seen a real shift toward making content outside London. That decentralisation is exciting and has opened up space for new voices, and the independent scene in the North is thriving. I’ve been passionate about starting and growing my career in the North, working with brilliant local talent. There’s a distinct honesty and heart in Northern storytelling that complements queer narratives beautifully. While we’ve made progress, many queer creatives still face limitations – often expected to stick to specific themes or tones. We need to be trusted with the same creative range as anyone else.”
Finally Louisa’s thoughts on Pride: “Pride is a celebration of how far we’ve come – but also a reminder of the work still ahead. The goal is to make queer stories not just visible, but vital to the mainstream.”