Embankment preps two feature docs

Embankment Films is to release two new feature docs, Strike: An Uncivil War and Dwarf Story (wt). Both will be released theatrically with ITV on board in the UK to show Dwarf Story after the theatrical release.

Strike: An Uncivil War

Strike: An Uncivil War produced with Verymuchso, tells the story of the Battle of Orgreave, the most violent confrontation between miners and police during the 1984 Miners’ Strike.

The film, set to be released theatrically in the UK on 18 June this year, will use “powerful” personal testimony, previously hidden government documents and a “treasure trove” of never-before-seen archive and will be directed by Daniel Gordon (Hillsborough, The Australian Dream). It will be sold internationally by Rainmaker Content.

Daniel Gordon, Director, said: “Strike: An Uncivil War is a film I have been wanting to make for over a decade now. My mum grew up in a mining village in South Yorkshire, and I grew up very aware of the strength of that community. I turned 12 during the Strike and to see the destruction brought on by it was something I could only observe on television and through a child’s lens, but over the years I have always been determined to revisit this period and go beyond the lazy headlines and official narrative of the time. After making ‘Hillsborough’, I knew that ‘Strike’ and in particular The Battle of Orgreave was next. There are so many similarities with Hillsborough and Orgreave – the cover up, the shifting of blame by the government and other instruments of the state. What has shocked me though was discovering the level of planning. From the very top. A government hell bent on destroying its own people. A very uncivil war if you like. And it is scandalous to discover how far they were prepared to go, in a ‘democratic’ country such as Britain, with results that continue to have an impact to this day. I hope this film can continue to raise awareness and, in some way, shine a light on the justice denied.”

Nick Taussig of Embankment, who is producing, added: “Embankment is committed to working with the world’s very best filmmakers, and Daniel has established himself as one of the UK’s most important documentarians. The prospect of working with him on this, therefore, a definitive, independent feature documentary about a seminal moment in British history and culture with international significance, was a great opportunity for Embankment, as it produces more of its own unique, ambitious, high profile documentary content.”

Graham Begg, Co-CEO of Rainmaker commented: “In a world that is demanding high-quality prestige feature documentaries, we have been on a mission to curate a slate that closely reflects this need, finding beautifully told, hard hitting stories with cultural significance. For quality and prestige, the combination of Daniel Gordon’s credentials and Embankment’s track record is unquestionably impressive. STRIKE: THE UNCIVIL WAR is a story that shaped a nation, its people and culture with universal themes that will resonate with audiences wherever they are.”

Dwarf Story (WT)

ITV has commissioned a new film exploring the so-called “miracle” drug that promises to be a potentially groundbreaking treatment for dwarfism, and the personal accounts of a number of young people from around the world who have had a first-hand experience.

Seven years ago, Vosoritide, came on to the market. It claimed to provide hope for an end to a medical condition called achondroplasia, more commonly known as dwarfism, that affects one in every 25,000 people. Families were told it would make their children significantly taller, as well as treating other medical complications associated with the condition, offering the promise of a more ‘normal life’. But has it worked?

Dwarf Story (WT), directed by Grierson-nominated Riccardo Servini (A Space in Time), follows three young people from America, Britain and Australia, and the clinical geneticist who has led the development and application of the drug, as they reveal how their lives have been affected by the treatment.

The feature is produced by Embankment Films and Rainmaker Content has boarded the project for international sales. It set to premiere theatrically in Summer 2024, then air in the Autumn on ITV in the UK.

The film is commissioned for ITV by Nicola Lloyd, Commissioning Editor and Jo Clinton-Davis, Controller of Factual.

Lloyd said: “Controversy and morality intersect as we explore the ‘miracle’ drug created to treat the medical condition achondroplasia. With this treatment about to be approved in the UK never has this issue been more relevant. This film’s access to Dr Ravi’s groundbreaking trial will allow viewers a close insight into treatment and the complex debate it has ignited within the community.”

Nick Taussig of Embankment, commented: “We were very grateful to ITV for commissioning this documentary, which tells a vital and urgent story of the development and roll-out of a game-changing miracle drug with profound consequences not only for the community it targets, but the whole world.”

Graham Begg, Co-CEO of Rainmaker added: “When it comes to filmmaking, the team at Embankment Films are amongst the finest in the world. Rainmaker are thrilled to be bringing this fascinating and ground-breaking documentary to the international marketplace.”