Channel 4, HBO partner for ‘Jihadi John’ doc

Months following the success of Michael Jackson two-parter Leaving Neverland, Channel 4 and HBO are again teaming up for a feature doc.

The broadcasters have commissioned a film on Kuwait-born British extremist Mohammed Emwazi, better known as Jihadi John. The 90-minute doc promises the inside story of Emwazi’s journey from life as a North London boy to becoming one of the world’s most notorious terrorists.

The film explores the lives of his hostages and the turmoil faced by their family members. Those interviewed include CIA, Pentagon and British intelligence operatives who have never before spoken publicly about the operation.

Jane Root’s Nutopia, in association with Liverdrop Media, is to produce The Hunt For Jihadi John, which was commissioned by Channel 4 current affairs commissioner Siobhan Sinnerton.

Nutopia previously made films including Channel 4 and PBS’ Held Hostage, about the story of Western citizens held hostage by Al Qaeda at the In Amenas gas plant in Algeria, and Channel 4’s Targeting Bin Laden. Livedrop Media was behind My Son The Jihadi and Hunting The KGB Killers.

The Hunt For Jihadi John is directed by Bafta and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Anthony Wonke (Syria: Children on the Frontline and Ronaldo). It is written and produced by Bafta-winning filmmaker and journalist Richard Kerbaj (My Son the Jihadi).

Entertainment One has picked up global distribution — excluding the US and UK — for the film.

The Hunt for Jihadi John will TX on 20 May at 9pm (1 x 90 minutes).