Channel 4 to commission black British filmmakers to respond to killing of George Floyd and subsequent events

3 June 2020

A series of short and longer form original films exploring issues highlighted by recent events in US to be broadcast across Channel 4, All 4 and C4 social channels

Channel 4 Director of Programmes, Ian Katz will order a series of original films in response to the killing of George Floyd in the US and its impact on black Britons, as told by black British filmmakers, it was announced today.

The short films will explore and debate the arguments and questions about our society that have long been felt but have been given new urgency by the death of George Floyd and the protests that have swept the United States. The short films will be commissioned by Head of Specialist Factual, Fatima Salaria and will run on Channel 4 and across C4 social channels over the coming weeks.

A series of longer-form films exploring different aspects of the black experience and questions about race in modern Britain will also be commissioned for Channel 4.

These commissions are in addition to Channel 4 News’ extensive coverage of the George Floyd story and Channel 4’s ongoing efforts to work with and commission more BAME led indies.  The channel is progressing with its previously announced commitment to ringfence half of both its remaining 2020 origination and development spend for small, BAME and Nations and Regions indies.

Ian Katz said; “Channel 4 has been committed since its birth both to representing Britain in all its diversity, and to promoting a more tolerant and equal society. We know that like all broadcasters we have much more to do to make our output truly representative of Britain, and we are working hard on making real sustainable change. The killing of George Floyd and the events of the last week have crystalised into a profound challenge to the way we think about, discuss and act on race issues on both sides of the Atlantic.  It is an urgent and potentially transformative debate that we must engage with now, and for the coming months this will be one of our editorial priorities.”

Fatima Salaria, Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4 said: “This is a great opportunity for black film makers to make their voices heard at a crucial time. I look forward to supporting them and helping them bring their ideas to the screen.”

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