Channel 4 Orders Lightbox Doc War Child

LONDON: Channel 4 has commissioned Lightbox, co-founded by Simon Chinn (Man on Wire) and Jonathan Chinn (American High), to produce the tentatively titled documentary War Child.

War Child tells the stories of four child refugees as they travel to Europe from their war-torn homes in the Middle East. The film, which is directed by Jamie Roberts (The Jihadis Next Door), is told from the point of view of the children. It is being introduced by FremantleMedia International to buyers at the market this week in Cannes.

Simon Chinn, who serves as executive producer for Lightbox alongside Katie Buchanan (The Romanians Are Coming) and Jonathan Chinn, said: “In telling this story from the point of view of a group of children, War Child takes a bold and distinctive approach to this important subject. Some of the children we are following have left their war-torn homes without their parents and it’s their very vulnerability which makes this such an emotional and dramatic film. Seeing the refugee crisis from their perspective really brings it home in the most immediate and powerful way.”

Angela Neillis, the director of acquisitions and development for non-scripted at FremantleMedia International, added: “Lightbox has captured a raw, emotional and powerful portrayal of the current refugee situation. The world is facing a huge crisis and through War Child, we can help spread a very important message to viewers around the world.”