Firecrest Films for BBC Scotland
“Programme-making of the highest calibre,” is how one judge described Firecrest Films’ The Vanishing Cyclist
This two-part instalment in the indie’s Murder Case strand tracks the Scottish police’s six-year pursuit of justice for 63-year-old Tony Parsons, who disappeared without trace while on a charity bike ride in 2017. The doc follows the evolution of the case from a missing persons search to the revelation that transforms it into a murder inquiry and the subsequent court case.
Several judges were impressed by the level of contributors the filmmakers secured, from Parsons’ immediate family to key police and trial personnel.
“This show was emotionally sensitive with incredible access, it had a hugely compelling narrative which focused on the family’s pain and the police’s meticulous investigation,” said one judge, while another highlighted the “great” access to the judicial process.
The care taken to ensure the doc was victim-centred and that the process was portrayed in an accurate, balanced and respectful manner was also noted by the judges.
One judge simply put: “This was exemplary storytelling which took very difficult and emotive subject matter and sensitively and thoughtfully put the viewer inside the process of discovery and decision making.”
SHORTLISTED
Juice
Various Artists Ltd for BBC
Creator Mawaan Rizwan turns things up a notch in this second series of the surreal comedy, as Jamma (Rizwan) reunites with his ex Guy (Russell Tovey) and continues to navigate dysfunctional family dynamics. Veering from modern romcom to traditional sitcom, Juice is a love letter to both genres.
Kursk: 10 Days That Shaped Putin
HiddenLight for Sky History
This two-parter examines the political fallout of the explosion of Russian nuclear submarine K-141 Kursk in August 2000, which killed all 188 crew members. Featuring exclusive access to the likes of former US president Bill Clinton and the families of the crew, this documentary sheds light on the consequences of Putin’s actions.
Married At First Sight UK
CPL Productions for E4
Now on its 10th series, MAFS remains the cornerstone of Channel 4’s reality slate and continues to offer an unflinchingly frank assessment of modern relationships. It also continues to bang the drum for inclusivity in the dating genre, with couples this series spanning sexual orientations, ethnicities and ages.
Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection
Optomen Television for ITVX
Olivia Attwood returns to take a microscope to the beauty industry, investigating everything from weight loss to mummy makeovers and smiles, all in her characteristic non-judgmental manner. While she meets those happy with their procedures, she also doesn’t shy away from the pitfalls of the cosmetic surgery industry.
Such Brave Girls
Various Artists Ltd for BBC
Creator Kat Sadler managed to make this pitch-black comedy even darker for its second series, as Deb (Louise Brearley) and her daughters Josie (Sadler) and Billie (Lizzie Davidson) continue their desperate and increasingly unhinged attempts to improve their lives.
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