To coincide with the Futureproofing Factual: How the BBC is Driving Audience Connection session at Sheffield DocFest, BBC Factual has announced four brand new commissions from Documentaries and Specialist Factual.
From Documentaries comes Prison Break – Escape from the Maze (w/t) which looks at the escape by 38 prisoners from the maximum-security prison in County Antrim, Northern Ireland and Bel, a gripping documentary which chronicles the legacy and talent of a lost Scottish artist and the efforts to keep her memory and music alive.
Emma Loach, interim head of commissioning, documentaries, said: “These films reflect the strength of co-commissioning across the BBC, bringing together voices and perspectives from across the UK to tell stories that feel both distinctive and universally resonant. Combining rigour and insight alongside emotionally engaging storytelling, they speak to the power of documentary filmmaking in deepening understanding and leaving a lasting impact”
From Specialist Factual comes Being Muslim After 9/11 (w/t) presented by Mobeen Azhar (pictured) which looks at life for the British Muslim community since the attacks in America on September 11th 2001. Aberfan: The People’s Fight (w/t), tells the story of the extraordinary campaign that emerged in the disaster’s aftermath.
Jack Bootle, head of commissioning, specialist factual said: “These are two powerful British documentaries about the long shadow cast by historic events. Being Muslim After 9/11explores how an American tragedy continues to shape the lives, identities and experiences of British Muslims a quarter of a century later, while Aberfan: The People’s Fight tells the story of a community whose determination to secure justice endured long after the disaster itself.
“Together, they show how history echoes through generations, leaving legacies that are felt not just in our institutions and politics, but in people’s everyday lives. They are thoughtful films that reflect the BBC’s commitment to telling stories that help us better understand our country and the world around us.”
Prison Break – Escape from the Maze (w/t), a 1×90’ for BBC Two, BBC Northern Ireland and iPlayer, is made by Walk On Air. Bel, a 1×90’ for BBC Two, BBC Scotland and iPlayer, is made by Hopscotch Films. Being Muslim After 9/11 (w/t), a 1×60’ for BBC Two and iPlayer, is made by We Are Forest. Aberfan: The People’s Fight (w/t), a 1×60’ for BBC Two, BBC One Wales and iPlayer is produced by BBC Studios Specialist Factual Productions.
