Channel 4 has commissioned a documentary feature about this summer’s race riots in the UK from Leaving Neverland filmmaker Dan Reed. 

Reed will executive produce the project, which was announced this morning by Channel 4. The documentary will run 60 minutes and is produced by Amos Pictures for Channel 4. The Channel 4 commissioning editor is Anna Miralis.

Channel 4 said the documentary will “provide a forensic account of how riots erupted in England in the wake of the murder of three children in Southport” and will be told by police, rioters, and eyewitnesses. 

“Channel 4 have been brilliantly quick off the mark again, giving us a licence to deep-dive into the riots and the political and cultural crisis that gripped our nation this summer,” Reed said in a statement this morning. 

“Amos Pictures’ trademark forensic journalism and immersive cinematic storytelling will give Channel 4 audiences a full 360 view, revealing the key protagonists, the raw emotions, the political agendas driving the violence and the unfolding of the police and government response.” 

The summer riots took place in cities across the UK and lasted just under a week. The violence has broken out across the UK after the fatal stabbing of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport last week. 

The unrest was initially fuelled by social media misinformation that the suspected assailant, Cardiff-born Axel Rudakubana, was an asylum seeker. Anger continued to be whipped up online, not least by X/Twitter owner Elon Musk, who had been critical of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and claimed that Britain is on the brink of civil war. 

Miralis added this morning: “We are proud to commission this hard-hitting and timely documentary from Amos Pictures, whose track record for fearless, uncompromising storytelling is second to none. As we all reflect on, and try to make sense of, the horrendous scenes of bigoted violence that took place on our streets, this vital film will provide important context on what these events say about Britain today.”

Unpacking the Riots

The Channel 4 documentary will delve into the events leading up to the riots and the factors that contributed to the widespread violence. The filmmakers will examine the role of social media in spreading misinformation and fueling anger. The documentary will also explore the response of the police and government to the unrest, as well as the role of far-right groups in inciting violence.

A Closer Look at the Protests

The documentary will provide a close-up look at the protests that took place in cities across the UK. It will feature interviews with rioters who participated in the violence, as well as with those who witnessed the events firsthand. The documentary will also explore the motivations behind the riots, examining the anger and frustration felt by many in the wake of the tragedy.

The Aftermath of the Riots

The documentary will also examine the aftermath of the riots, including the impact on the communities affected by the violence. It will explore the challenges of rebuilding trust and healing the divisions that were exacerbated by the unrest. The documentary will also consider the lessons that can be learned from the events of this summer.

The riots were fuelled by online posts wrongly claiming that attacker Axel Rudakubana was a Muslim asylum seeker. Rudakubana, 17, was born in Cardiff and raised Christian, but protests about the crime escalated into widespread far-right riots across the UK. Nearly 400 people were arrested after more than a week of violence through cities like Sunderland, Manchester, and London. Far-right organisations such as the Patriotic Alternative and English Defence League (EDL) had been instrumental in organising protests and spreading false rumours. The groups capitalised on the Southport tragedy to rally supporters against Islam and immigration. 

A Deeper Dive into the Riots: Examining the Roots of the Violence

The documentary will explore the deeper roots of the violence that erupted this summer. It will examine the role of social media and political rhetoric in shaping public opinion and fueling division. The documentary will also consider the role of economic inequality and social alienation in contributing to the unrest. 

The documentary is expected to provide a nuanced and insightful look at the events of this summer, offering a platform for diverse voices to be heard. The documentary will be an important resource for understanding the complex factors that contributed to the riots, as well as for exploring the challenges of building a more just and equitable society.

The documentary is expected to air on Channel 4 later this year. It is sure to be a timely and important contribution to the national conversation about race, identity, and the role of social media in our society.