Channel 4 has commissioned a thought-provoking documentary titled “London Bridge: Facing Terror (working title),” which delves into the events surrounding the 2019 terror attack at Fishmongers’ Hall near London Bridge. The film, produced by Raw, aims to shed light on the lives of Darryn Frost, Steven Gallant, and John Crilly, who found their paths intersecting during the harrowing incident and played instrumental roles in stopping the attacker.
The documentary explores the dramatic sequence of events that unfolded on November 29, 2019, when these three men, attending an event at Fishmongers’ Hall, confronted the attacker. However, as the narrative unfolded, the past criminal histories and convictions of Steven and John came to the forefront, raising questions about whether convicted murderers could ever be considered heroes.
The film provides a unique perspective as it allows Darryn, Steven, and John to share their detailed accounts of the attack for the first time. Additionally, it delves into how the past experiences of each man shaped their actions that day and led them to be present at Fishmongers’ Hall during the fateful attack.
Beyond recounting the events, “London Bridge: Facing Terror” critically examines the British justice system and its treatment of individuals with criminal records. The documentary poses important questions about the effectiveness of prison as a means of rehabilitation, redemption, and reformation. It confronts the audience with the complex issues surrounding justice, rehabilitation, punishment, and the societal labels of hero and villain.
Commissioned by Sacha Mirzoeff, Channel 4’s documentaries commissioning editor and Head of Channel 4 Bristol, the film is being produced by Raw with executive producer Liesel Evans and director Fred Scott at the helm. The filmmakers demonstrated sensitivity and respect while delving into the lives of those involved, moving beyond the attack’s immediate aftermath to explore the broader context and complexities of the individuals’ stories.
Sacha Mirzoeff expressed the powerful testimony presented by John, Steve, and Darryn and highlighted the uncomfortable questions raised about the justice system’s role in redemption and rehabilitation. Liesel Evans, the Raw Creative Director Factual, praised the bravery and thoughtfulness of the contributors, emphasising their strength and insight throughout the filming process.
The documentary “London Bridge: Facing Terror” is set to provide an emotional and eye-opening account of the events of that fateful day, leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of the multifaceted issues brought to the fore by this tragic incident. The film is expected to challenge conventional perspectives and foster important conversations about the complexities of justice and the potential for redemption in our society.
