The Open University/BBC award-winning documentary “Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland” has been nominated for another accolade, this time a prestigious TV BAFTA.
Twenty-five years on from a peace agreement being reached, Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland shares intimate, unheard testimonies from all sides of the conflict.
It combined archive footage with the personal accounts of people still dealing with the fallout of The Troubles. The series was first broadcast on BBC Two in May 2023 and is available to watch on iPlayer.
Now this five-part series has been nominated in the TV BAFTA’s “Specialist Factual” category, alongside “Dublin Narcos” and “Lockerbie”, both Sky Documentaries and Channel 4’s “Evacuation”. It has already won Best Documentary series in the recent Broadcast Awards.
Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Director, Broadcasts and Partnerships at the OU said:
“It is thrilling to have received a nomination for such a prestigious awards ceremony. We look forward to hearing the result but as far as we are concerned, a nomination is a huge achievement and my thanks go to all those that helped make this series such a success.”
Dr Philip O’Sullivan, Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies, based at the OU in Belfast, and the OU’s academic consultant for the series, has worked closely with people involved in the conflict for more than 15 years now.
He said of the nomination:
“What a huge achievement. I look forward to hearing the result. In terms of the documentary… it made for uncomfortable viewing, but sometimes uncomfortable is a necessary thing.
“The statements it features from ordinary people who lived through extraordinary times are some of the aspects of this documentary that makes it so compelling and powerful. I’m so pleased to have played my part.”
As part of the supporting content for this series, the OU secured additional behind-the-scenes interviews with the series’ Director and Producer, which can be viewed on the OU Broadcast website OU Connect.
The BAFTA TV winners are announced on Sunday 14th May 2024
Picture credit: Homer Sykes; Keo Films and Walk on Air Films
