FOUR films commissioned during Coventry’s City of Culture year are being recognised through nominations for a series of major awards.
The City of Culture Trust’s ‘Ghosts in the Ruins’ has been nominated in the Royal Television Society Midlands Awards in the specialist factual category.
Performed at Coventry Cathedral in January, Ghosts in the Ruins was created by Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement recipient Nitin Sawhney CBE alongside the people of Coventry.
It marked the 60th anniversary of Coventry Cathedrals’ consecration.
Meanwhile, 2 Tone: The Sound of Coventry, which was a collaboration between the City of Culture Trust and Full Fat Television, received nominations in Documentary, craft-post production and creative community.
The film, commissioned by BBC England, used music, archive footage and a rare interview with 2 Tone founder Jerry Dammers as well as The Specials’ Neville Staple, The Selecter’s Pauline Black and others to explore the genre, which exploded out of Coventry in 1979.
During Coventry’s City of Culture year, Sky Arts partnered with Arts Council England, the Trust, The Space and Shoot Festival to give 10 artists from the city creative broadcast opportunities.
Two artists’ work as part of the Sky Arts Unlocked series was recognised in the Royal Television Society Midlands Awards.
Alexandra Johnson’s ‘Widow’s Might’ has been nominated for ‘short film’, and tells the story of a Coventry woman who gives up everything to look after her dying husband.
Alexandra was also recognised for her work behind the scenes with nominations in the ‘Best Breakthrough off-screen’ and ‘writer’ categories.
Irish, Blacks and Dogs by Jack Norris has been nominated for short film.
The film tells the story of an ageing Irish immigrant who must confront his prejudiced views when a young black paramedic comes to his aide after he suffers a fall.
Coventry City of Culture of Trust chief executive Martin Sutherland said: “We are extremely proud of the creative skill and talent showcased in each of these films and would like to congratulate all the nominees.
“So many incredible creatives call the West Midlands home, and these nominations further demonstrate what was achieved in partnership with some fantastic people and organisations during the City of Culture year.”
Hayley Pepler, former Head of Content & Digital Broadcast at Coventry City of Culture Trust and Producer of Ghosts in the Ruins for BBC4, added: “These nominations demonstrate that there is a thriving creative community in Coventry of writers, directors and producers delivering programmes for broadcasters of real quality and purpose.
“Foundations laid by these commissions during the City of Culture year will support the city’s creative economy as it develops into a destination for new production talent to tell their stories onscreen and grow successful businesses at this same time.”
