New Factual Commissions from Channel 4

Channel 4 has commissioned two new documentary programs, including the three-part series Evacuation.

From Wonderhood Studios, Evacuation shares the inside story of the British military campaign to evacuate Kabul airport in 2021 after the Taliban took control of the city. With never-before-seen footage shot by combat camera teams, personal footage and testimony from servicemen and Afghan citizens who were there, it reveals how Operation Pitting became Britain’s biggest airlift since World War II.

The series, distributed internationally by Fremantle, is executive produced by Katharine Patrick (Devil’s Advocate: The Mostly True Story of Giovanni di Stefano, Baby Surgeons: Delivering Miracles), Wonderhood’s head of factual. James W. Newton (Baby Surgeons: Delivering Miracles) directed.

“This series allows us to see the human evacuation of Kabul through a brand-new lens,” said Alisa Pomeroy, head of documentaries at Channel 4, and Sacha Mirzoeff, commissioning editor. “Wonderhood Studios have forged such a strong relationship with the British Armed Forces that the interviewees, almost all of whom are still serving, are able to talk in an honest, sensitive way rarely seen on TV. The resulting series plays out like an emotional drama complete with revelation and nail-biting suspense.”

Samantha Anstiss, chief creative officer of Wonderhood Studios, added, “With compelling testimonies, visceral footage and unparalleled access to decision-makers, combat troops and those trying to flee the chaos of Kabul, this series will give Channel 4 viewers a unique insight into what it feels like to face down the Taliban in one of the largest peacetime military operations, and where split-second losses of concentration can lead to death and tragedy.”

Major General Eldon Millar commented, “We are excited to be working with Channel 4 and Wonderhood Studios on this important project that will, in a compelling and compassionate manner, bring to light the firsthand accounts of both the people of Afghanistan and those from across Defence and the British Armed Forces who worked round the clock to evacuate them in such challenging conditions during the historic summer of 2021.”

Channel 4 also commissioned the one-hour documentary Secrets of the Female Orgasm from Spun Gold TV. Former Love Island contestant Yewande Biala, a biochemist and author with two degrees, uses her personal experience to explore the world of female orgasms—something she and many other women have never experienced. She meets other women, scientists and therapists to hear their stories and opinions.

Trying out various techniques, experimenting with sex toys and visiting a sex club make up part of Biala’s research as she attempts to learn everything there is to know about the complexity of the female orgasm.

The one-off documentary is directed by Sally Rose Griffiths and executive produced by Anna Edwinson. It is produced in association with All3Media International.

“We shouldn’t be embarrassed about talking about orgasms,” Biala said. “Let’s learn from the mistakes we’ve made, or our parents made. Wouldn’t it be great if at the end of this investigation I could even have an orgasm? And even better if I can help other women achieve them more easily or for the first time as well.”

Daniela Neumann, managing director of Spun Gold TV, added, “As many as one in eight women have never been able to have an orgasm, and some surveys suggest six in ten feel they have to fake one. It’s clearly not fair, and you have to ask why not? More women should be having orgasms, and it’s time we were all more open about discussing these things. In this documentary, Yewande uses her own personal experience and background to try and work out why she has never climaxed.”