THE FIFTY YEAR FIGHT [1X60]

Producer–Director | BBC Two / Storyvault Films

‘Documentary of the year’ BBC Radio 5

‘Truly tough viewing’The Guardian

‘An extraordinary account’Daily Telegraph

An emotionally driven feature documentary examining the lasting impact of the Thalidomide tragedy through the experiences of survivors and families still fighting for recognition and justice more than fifty years later.

I developed and directed the film, working closely with contributors whose lives had been shaped by one of the most devastating medical disasters of the twentieth century. A major part of the production involved building trust with families and navigating deeply personal testimony while shaping a narrative that balanced historical investigation with intimate human storytelling.

The documentary combined extensive archive research, personal records and contemporary interviews to explore not only the original tragedy, but the long-term physical, emotional and political consequences experienced by survivors decades later.

Rather than focusing solely on the historical scandal itself, the film examined the continuing fight for support, dignity and recognition faced by those affected. My approach was to create a documentary that felt personal and emotionally immersive while remaining rigorous in its factual and historical detail.

Following transmission, the story was further developed for drama adaptation in collaboration with Oscar-winning producers at See-Saw Films.