DRG has secured the international distribution rights to Channel 4’s four-part factual series My Grandparents’ War. The deal was struck between DRG and independent production company Wild Pictures.
My Grandparents’ War follows leading Hollywood actors as they re-trace the footsteps of their grandparents in World War Two. All the actors have unanswered questions about the scars war left on their grandparents and will explore how six years changed the lives of their family and the world forever.
In each episode, the actors will learn about the life and death decisions their grandparents faced. At the heart of the series are extraordinary human stories of ordinary people caught up in one of the greatest man-made catastrophes of all time. Two episodes, featuring Kristin Scott Thomas (The Darkest Hour, The English Patient) and Mark Rylance (Dunkirk, The Bridge of Spies), have already been filmed. Those two episodes took them to historic locations – from the beaches of Dunkirk to prisoner of war camps in Asia. Filming with two other award-winning actors is now underway.
“With My Grandparent’s War, Wild Pictures has brilliantly combined key moments in history with a fresh and compelling biographical insight into some of the world’s leading actors”, said Mette Kanne-Behrendsen, DRG’s Senior Vice-President of Acquisitions. “Such a unique and considered approach to this global event, coupled with the 80th anniversary in September, is sure to make this extraordinary series a ‘must have’ title for any broadcaster or platform looking to commemorate the start of World War Two.”
While Wild Pictures’ Tom Anstiss added: “We are delighted to be working alongside DRG and look forward to the reception our series receives on the international market. It’s a privilege to work with such talented people as Kristin Scott Thomas, Mark Rylance and the two other award-winning actors we are currently filming with. They each bring real intellectual curiosity, emotional depth and compassion, and deliver a compelling and revelatory new understanding of World War Two. Their films explore universal themes and are a moving reminder of how bravery, comradeship, love and self-sacrifice prevailed in the face of tragedy.”