Trio of female directors score BBC orders

The BBC has unveiled a trio of single docs from leading female directors as the broadcaster strives to achieve gender parity in its factual commissions

At Sheffield DocFest, BBC head of commissioning, documentaries, history and religion Clare Sillery announced films from Rape: Who’s On Trial director Imogen Wynell-Mayow, Niamh Kennedy (Abused By My Girlfriend) and Jemma Gander (Police: Hour of Duty).

Wynell-Mayow has teamed with Optomen for The Secret World of Autistic Woman and Girls [working title], a 60-minute BBC1 doc fronted by Christine McGuinness, who previously shared her own family’s experience with the condition in Paddy and Christine McGuinness: Our Family and Autism.

Meanwhile, Kennedy is behind Family 23 [working title], a 90-minute BBC2 doc from Expectation that follows the first family to be diagnosed with hereditary Alzheimer’s. The discovery of a faulty gene within the Midlands-based family led to the biggest research project into familial Alzheimer’s to date.

Gander has secured access to Alcoholics Anonymous for Saved – Inside AA [working title]. Daisybeck Studios’ 60-minute doc explores the history and popularity of the organisation, which is celebrating its 75^th anniversary.

Sillery said the commissions “demonstrate our commitment to telling distinctive British stories and bringing viewers new perspectives on recent events.”

She added: “Growing and developing new talent is incredibly important to me and I’m delighted to be announcing three impactful new single films from female directors, underscoring our commitment to 50% representation of women directors.”