Arrow Media Lands New Doc Commission

Arrow Media has been commissioned to produce Tsunami: The Wave That Shook the World, set to air on ITV1 and ITVX later this year.

The two-hour title will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean Boxing Day Tsunami, with survivor stories told through personal testimony. Directed by Ashley Gething, the documentary is set to combine storytelling with GFX technology to bring the events of the day to life.

Fremantle is handling international distribution.

Tom Brisley, CEO of Arrow Media, said, “Twenty years ago, the world witnessed an unimaginable tragedy. This film is our tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the power of nature.

“Arrow Media is committed to making inspiring stories for audiences worldwide and we were delighted that John Smithson, who originated the project whilst at Arrow, was able to come back as executive producer to deliver it. This film will give viewers a unique perspective of the terrible events of that day, told through the eyes of those who experienced it first-hand.”

John Smithson, executive producer, added, “We made the creative decision to focus on just a handful of survivors and tell the story entirely in their own words. This gave us the screen time to become fully absorbed in their personal stories, as they experience the trauma, tragedy of the disaster and desperate search for loved ones in the aftermath.”

Jo Clinton-Davis, controller of Factual ITV, said, “Arrow Media has real provenance in telling the significant stories of our time through a unique and compelling human lens. This landmark documentary special conveys not only the power of a tragic event, but the strength of the human spirit.”

Jens Richter, CEO of commercial and international for Fremantle, said, “The 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami is a poignant moment in history, and on its 20th anniversary, this extraordinary documentary will not only pay tribute to the lives lost but bring powerful survivor stories to life through its incredibly moving narrative. We are proud to be working with Arrow Media and ITV to be able to share this historical event with a global audience, featuring firsthand personal accounts from that fateful day.”