FASS supported OU/BBC co-production wins prestigious award

OU/BBC co-production We Are Black and British, supported by Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences academics, has been recognised at the Grierson Awards 2022.

Established in 1972, the Grierson Awards, also known at the British Documentary Awards, are the biggest event in the UK documentary calendar. The awards recognise and celebrate documentaries from Britain and abroad that have made a significant contribution to the genre and that demonstrate quality, integrity, creativity, originality and overall excellence.

The two-part series We Are Black and British brought six black Britons from very different backgrounds and viewpoints together under one roof, at a time when race and racism in the UK has sparked a nationwide discussion about what needs to change. Each shares a deeply personal story, raising tough questions about being black and British.

Awarding the programme as the “Best Constructed Documentary Series”, the judges noted that “this film allowed us to learn something new and insightful from the well-cast characters in the series. The thought-provoking questions and personal stories shared through the programme’s central device provided a valuable platform for debate about insufficiently explored issues – with surprising moments shining through.”

Dr Ayobami Ilori, Lecturer/Staff Tutor in Economics, was FASS academic consultant for the series, and the Media Fellow was Dr Alison Penn.

The Decade the Rich Won, supported by FASS academic consultant Professor of Economics Susan Newman and Media Fellow Dr Alison Penn, was nominated for the Best History Documentary Award.