ITV commissions new film on the Windrush generation

ITV commissions new film on the Windrush generation

Film made in association with Pride of Britain and Daily Mirror

[Pictured: Prince William with Alford Gardner, 97, who arrived in Britain on the Empire Windrush]

Marking the 75th anniversary of the Empire Windrush ship’s arrival at Tilbury Docks, ITV has commissioned a new documentary in partnership with the Pride of Britain telling the story of the generation of people who left the Caribbean for a new life in Britain.

Members of the Windrush generation will share their stories with well- known figures including Sir Trevor McDonald, Alesha Dixon, Mel B, Judy Love and HRH The Prince of Wales.  

Each will meet people from the Windrush generation and hear their stories to provide a powerful and eye-opening insight into the experiences of a community of more than 500,000 who arrived in Britain between 1948 and 1971 initially to work in the NHS and on transport networks.

Filmed across the UK and produced by Multistory Media [part of ITV Studios], the 1x60 film, the Windrush Generation [working title], will bring together stories that celebrate their contributions to British life and culture, as well as shedding light on the reality of the struggle many faced to gain citizenship despite having lived and paid taxes in the UK for many years as a result of what became known as the Windrush scandal.   

The film is being made in association with Pride of Britain and the Daily Mirror.   It is commissioned for ITV by Nicola Lloyd, Factual Commissioning Editor and Sue Murphy, Head of Factual Entertainment.  

Nicola said:

“The Windrush generation have played such a significant part in our recent history and we want to mark their 75th anniversary by hearing the fascinating human stories of people who left island life in the Caribbean to come to Britain for a new beginning.  They will tell us first hand how their experiences transformed their own lives and had a profound impact on a new post-war Britain in stories that promise to move us all.”

Mark Scantlebury and Elen Moore are the Executive Producers for Multistory Media.  

The film will be directed by Jessica Phillips, who said:

“The contribution made to Britain by the Windrush generation is lasting and unquantifiable. As the daughter of Jamaican parents,  it’s been a pleasure to honour the incredible individuals featured in this film. I hope that in telling their stories we have captured the spirit and importance of those who came and rebuilt Britain after World War II and in doing so reshaped and enriched the cultural landscape of the nation for generations to come.”

Alison Phillips, editor of the Daily Mirror, said:

“We are delighted to be working with ITV on this hugely important documentary to highlight the achievements - and challenges - members of the Windrush Generation and their descendants have faced, in this 75tb anniversary year.  We hope it brings the very best values of Pride of Britain to a documentary which will entertain, inspire and challenge us all.”

The Windrush Generation [WT] will be shown on ITV1 later this year.