Osun Group to examine deep divides in Trump’s America
BBC Storyville has commissioned a feature doc examining the deep social and racial divides in Trump’s America.
White Man Walking is produced by Osun Group in association with Doc Hearts and follows white filmmaker Rob Bliss as he walks across the US wearing a Black Lives Matter t-shirt.
While he faces hostility and anger as he embarks on his journey to Washington, including confrontations with armed Trump supporters, he also finds unexpected moments of connection with people who choose to walk beside him.
The doc is set to premiere on BBC4 on 27 May – coinciding with the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s death.
The film is also heading to Europe, after Arte acquired the rights for France and Germany, with broadcast set for 8 June. Mediawan Rights is managing sales for all other territories.
The exec producers are founder and chief executive of Osun Group Luti Fagbenle, Doc Hearts’ Andy Mundy-Castle (White Nanny, Black Child) and Maxine Watson (African Queens).
It is co-directed by Rob Bliss and Denise Alder (Salt), produced by Georgia Cassidy, and edited by Jordan Montminy, with Afua Hirsch as associate director.
Fagbenle said: “At Osun, we believe in telling stories that matter—even when they’re uncomfortable. White Man Walking is a rare and necessary film: a white man confronting racism not in theory, but face to face, in the streets.
“Racism isn’t just a Black burden to carry. It’s a system built and sustained by white silence. The film is a rare attempt to step into that silence and speak—to other white people with the message – Black Lives Matter.”
The film was ordered by Storyville’s commissioning editor Lucie Kon, who said: “This riveting and often shocking and emotional film about one man’s walk through modern America seems a fitting way to mark five years since George Floyd was publicly murdered by a Minneapolis police officer.
“Storyville is proud to bring another landmark international documentary to our UK audience.”
Mundy-Castle added: “This film is a mirror held up not just to America, but to all of us. What does it truly mean to be an ally to people less fortunate that yourself and with White Man Walking a real conversation is started, it’s a provocation, and above all, a call to look deeper.”
Transatlantic scripted and unscripted indie Osun Group was set up to champion stories from diverse communities and talent.
Fagbenle previously founded Luti Media, which co-produced relationship format Blue Therapy and comedy Maxxx (both E4). This indie continues to work on branded content and music videos.
Last year Osun brought in head of drama, Supacell producer Sheila Nortley. The team also comprises head of development Tara Ayeni (Maxxx), and head of unscripted Georgia Cassidy (Blue Therapy).
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