New Whicker Funding Award For Docus

The Whicker's World Foundation, whose principle aim is to increase documentary-storytelling in the UK, has launched three new documentary filmmaker awards worth a total of £100,000.

The funds are a legacy left by the celebrated broadcast journalist Alan Whicker, who died in 2013 at the age of 87. He travelled the world for more than 50 years making television programmes, and was known for presenting Whicker's World from 1959 to 1988.

The three awards are:

• The Funding Award (£80,000 / £10,000 runner-up) to a debut filmmaker under the age of 30
• The Recognition Award (£4,000 / £1,000 runner-up) to an industry newcomer aged 50 or over
• Best Audio Documentary (£4,000 / £1,000 runner-up) to be awarded at the In The Dark audio festival, also part of Doc/Fest.

Mark Atkin, Acting Festival Director, Sheffield Doc/Fest, said: "I am very enthused that this foundation aims to encourage authored documentary at a time when TV is becoming increasingly formatted and when most foundations have requirements to promote social issues. This is exactly what the industry needs right now."

Jane Mote, Alan Whicker Foundation consultant, added: "Whicker's World opened my eyes to the most amazing stories, people and places. Alan's unique style and sharp wit was inspirational and I am so excited to be part of creating a Foundation to nurture the future trailblazers for international documentary film-making."

The first winners of the Whicker's World Foundation awards will be announced on the final day of next year's Sheffield Documentary Festival.

Image: Alan Whicker interviewing Cassius Clay.

(JP)