Embankment Films has landed a miners’ strike feature and an ITV doc on a drug that could treat dwarfism.
Strike: An Uncivil War will be released 18 June, telling the story of the Battle of Orgreave, one of the most violent confrontations between miners and police during the 1984 labor action.
Directed by award-winner Daniel Gordon (Hillsborough), the movie will use powerful personal testimony and previously hidden government documents to describe a conflict that cut right to the heart of Britain’s social and political consciousness – a clash that encompassed class, community, masculinity, the role of women, relationships, marriage and family. The strike turns 40 this year and a number of shows for local broadcasters have also been ordered to commemorate. Gordon’s Verymuchso and Embankment are producing and Rainmaker Content is distributing.
Rainmaker is also selling ITV’s Dwarf Story [working title] from Grierson-nominee Riccardo Servini (A Space in Time).
The one-hour special follows three young people from America, Britain and Australia, and the clinical geneticist who has led the development and application of the drug Vosoritide, which families were told would make a child “significantly taller” when used.
Embankment is also producing Dwarf Story and it was commissioned for ITV by Nicola Lloyd, Commissioning Editor and Jo Clinton-Davis, Controller of Factual.
Embankment’s Nick Taussig said: “These two documentaries are hugely important in bringing into sharp focus two significant issues that have had meaningful impact on the lives of many people, communities and even nations. The passion of these incredible directors, Daniel and Riccardo, is reflected in our drive at Embankment Films to not only work with the world’s very best filmmakers, but to bring their voices and vision to the screen, in unique and ambitious, premium documentaries.”