‘Great talent – strong journalism, impactful. Forensic, feels trusted…’
BBC Current Affairs for BBC
The Other War explores the killing of two Palestinian boys, Basil, 15, and Adam, 8, who were fatally shot by Israeli soldiers in Jenin, West Bank, on 29 November 2023, and unpacks the IDF’s justification for the killings.
The documentary’s conclusion that there was no apparent direct threat to the soldiers and so the use of lethal force may have been unjustified, has sparked discussion across the globe and has been recognised by the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee. The killing of Basil and Adam has raised important questions about the legality of the IDF’s actions and its larger trend of violence which has frequently resulted in the deaths of Palestinian children.
The family of one of the victims has expressed relief that their loss has received attention and that the military has been held accountable.
One judge praised the programme’s “rigorous and balanced journalism” adding that it made them “very grateful that we have this broadcaster producing films on these complex issues”.
Through piecing together different evidence, such as mobile and CCTV footage, witness testimony, and detailed scene analysis, the film earned recognition for its “forensic” approach, guiding the viewer “through a complicated story with care and authority”.
Shortlisted
Born In The Limelight – Nepo Babies: UNTOLD
Flicker Productions for Channel 4
Addressing questions about inequality and privilege, this documentary boldly explores celebrity culture. The documentary sees Phoenix Chi Brown, daughter of former Spice Girl Mel B. Phoenix, pose as an artist to see just how much her mother’s name influences the opportunities available to her.
HIV, PrEP & Me
BBC News for BBC
This documentary centres lived experience in its exploration of the medication PrEP to challenge stigma around HIV prevention. The presenter, Dan Harry, who takes PrEP, brings charisma and empathy to the documentary. It resonated with a wide audience, with a significant proportion of viewers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Magaluf Undercover - Predators and Parties: UNTOLD
Kalel Productions & Shrimp Media for YouTube & Channel4.com
The film exposes the relentless harassment faced by reporters Ellie Flynn and Emily Birtley faced while pretending to be inebriated in and around clubs in Magaluf. The intense and immersive filming has earned the documentary 923,000 views, cementing it as the second best UNTOLD on record.
Settlements Above the Law
BBC Eye (BBC World Service) for BBC
Over the course of more than six months, the BBC investigated extremist settlers on the West Bank who have used violence to seize land and property, forcing many Palestinians from their homes. This documentary may have played a part in the UK government’s condemnation of two settler outposts which were investigated in the film.
The Midwife’s Confession
BBC World Service for BBC World Service
Reminding us that this issue is far from historical, the documentary explores female infanticide in India. By integrating archival footage with present-day storytelling, the documentary creates a deeply human account with no sensationalism. It was released in seven Indian languages to allow it to reach a wide audience.
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