Film follows the bravery of sisters just 15ft away from Manchester Arena blast

Jess and Hannah Mone were just 15ft from the Manchester Arena bomb Credit: MEN Media

A film will premier tonight about two sisters who were stood just 15ft from where the Manchester Arena bomb, documenting how the atrocity affected them.

Jess and Hannah Mone were at the Ariana Grande concert when a bomb exploded killing 22 people on May 22 last year.

While Jess, 21, was physically unharmed, Hannah was hit by shrapnel, which embedded in her body and left her with a badly injured hand.

The 18-year-old lost a finger and has another that will never fully work again, while both siblings have been treated for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Hannah Mone's injuries include losing her finger and the use of another Credit: MEN Media
Hannah Mone suffered injuries to both her hands Credit: MEN Media

As Jess supported her little sister along her road to recovery, she began filming her journey of treatment and rehabilitation.

It began as a personal project to help the two of them get over being caught up in the atrocity.

But after Jess was inspired by Hannah’s courage, the idea grew - and following a year of recording the footage has been cut into a moving short film.

It is an inspirational tale of resilience and bravery in the face of overwhelming tragedy.

In Bloom will be premiered at HOME cinema, in Manchester city centre, today [June 7].

Jess, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, said:

Although physically unhurt, Jess herself has also had to find a way to deal with the terrible events of May 22 last year.

She still remembers that night very clearly.

Jess said:

The sisters both attended the one-year memorial service for those who lost their lives and have found the first-year anniversary of the attack difficult.

But they were able to re-walk their route from the Manchester Arena through Victoria station for the first time since last May.

And it’s that ethos of looking towards the future which has inspired In Bloom.

Jess said:

Jess, a filmmaking student at Manchester Metropolitan University, shot a total of around five hours footage that has been edited down to just under 10 minutes for In Bloom.

Fellow students, Hannah Vigus and Angus Graham, worked with her as editor and cinematographer respectively.

The film ends with Hannah being finally discharged as a hospital outpatient last month and her 18th birthday party.

Jess is hoping to follow a career in production, while Hannah has an interest in photography and is hoping to travel in the next year.

Jess said: