documentary

The late Queen’s phrase “recollections may vary” is something documentary-makers know all too well as they try to tell real-life stories.

In the case of new BBC two-parter Hunting Mr Nice: The Cannabis Kingpin, an added challenge was that several of the interviewees were frequently high on drugs during the times they were trying to recollect.

The audience at the RTS Cymru Wales screening and Q&A learnt about the difficulties of assembling and questioning members of notorious cannabis smuggler Howard Marks’s inner circle, some of whom had never spoken before.

Elba, who’s best known for starring as the titular detective in the BBC drama Luther, grew up in what he describes as “a tough part of East London, where violence was always a possibility.”

He knows first-hand how easily he could have fallen down a different path, so he is well-placed to present Idris Elba: A Year of Knife Crime. Over the course of the 60 minute film, he will meet young offenders, bereaved families, youth workers and the police to try and understand the reasons behind the increased incidence of knife crime.

At a time of declining social mobility, especially for young people, watching Freddie Flintoff manage a cricket team made up entirely of working class boys from Preston still hits like a ray of hope.

By smashing the class ceiling of such an elitist sport, the former England captain is steadily teaching the boys to dream of better futures for themselves, and the rest of us the transformative power of some gentle encouragement.

The documentary series will focus on the building of her fashion and beauty empire, and the balancing act between running a family and a business simultaneously. The Beckhams, close friends, and collaborators will all feature as the doc builds a full image of Victoria’s time in the spotlight – from Spice Girl to style guru, from WAGs to riches.

The series is executive produced by Nicola Howson, known for Beckham and Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Edge of Everything.

Narrated by Welsh-drag icon Tayce (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK), Striking with Pride: United at the Coalface tells the story of the two seemingly disparate groups being drawn together through the miners’ strike of 1984-85.

The LSGM (Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners) formed when Mike Jackson and Mark Ashton decided to raise money for struggling families in the strike.

Intended for 16-34-year-olds, UNTOLD investigates contemporary subject matters which appeal to the younger generations. Past episodes include Only Fans Got Me Fired, The Truth About Spiking, and The Cost of Being a YouTuber. All episodes are available on the Channel 4 streaming service and are posted onto the Channel 4 Documentaries YouTube channel.

Known for traditionally ‘masculine’ roles such as EastEnders’ Mick Carter, Dyer will set his preconceptions aside to investigate all of changing gender roles, attitudes towards male mental health, and stereotypes surrounding masculinity.

The Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, mental health experts, fitness fanatics, sex therapists, and male victims of domestic abuse will all be interviewed by Dyer through his candid questioning. Dyer will meet men who believe ‘traditional’ masculinity is under fire, then turn to those who are exploring more ‘progressive’ options.