Damien Lewis
Finalist: The Features Award

British
"Death In The Air"
Self-funded / 2 Vandaag
Shot: August 1999 / July 2000

Judges Quote "This piece shows determination and stamina in getting the story - he has obviously built up contacts and come out with good evidence."

"... in the intense heat and humidity of Sudan, the full Nuclear-Biological-Chemical (NBC) suits could not be worn for more than 1 hour maximum.

Our greatest fear was the extent of possible contamination, and when and where to start wearing the suits... filming was doubly difficult whilst wearing a cumbersome full NBC suit, cotton undergloves, rubber oven gloves and mask...

I was forced to wear the NBC protective clothing the least of any of the sampling team... effective camerawork was all but impossible while wearing such restrictive gear."

During his many filming trips to the Sudan, Damien Lewis built up a working relationship with the leadership of the Sudanese People's Liberation Army. In August 1999, they asked him to investigate alleged attacks from aircraft dropping 'choking gas' bombs on hundreds of Sudanese villages and three United Nations food aid workers.

Lewis assembled a team of 3 independent experts to accompany him and organised protective clothing and equipment. He made contact with the British Chemical Weapons Establishment at Porton Down, secured sampling kits and set up the procedure for analysis of the samples. As the team arrived at their destination, they found that all aid agencies working under the UN umbrella had been withdrawn, due to fears of ongoing chemical contamination. The area was recently captured 'rebel-held' territory - regularly attacked by government forces.

Damien is a cameraman-director and reporter working in the field of news, current affairs and documentary. For 12 years, he has worked across Africa, Asia and Latin America - investigating war crimes, the arms trade, slavery, corporate injustice, species extinctions and weapons of mass destruction. He has reported for many top British and international broadcasters and often works closely with aid groups to secure access to remote stories. He is the Director of a new independent company - WOW - providing niche programming in this field to both traditional broadcasters, new media and broadband outlets.

sponsored by

• Winners
• Finalists and Special Commendations
• The Freelancers' Choice
  
  
• Programme
• From the Chairman
• The Trust in 2000
• No Clear Frontlines
• Judging Panel
• List of Entrants
• News From the Edge
• Acknowledgements

The Trust | Awards | Training | The Free Lens | Links | Feedback | Home

Limited Company No. 35524586 Registered in England and Wales
Charity Reg. No. 1071844