British star of Rogue One, Jason Bourne and HBO’s The Night Of, Riz Ahmed has announced that he will be collaborating with BBC on his first self-penned TV drama.
Englistan, which Ahmed first revealed to The Hollywood Reporter in 2016, is a nine-part series telling the story of three generations of a British-Pakistani family, following them as they pursue their dreams over four decades, navigating shifting circumstances and evolving loyalties.
“Englistan is an untold British story with universal themes and resonance. It’s the story I always wanted to tell, and it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to do so,” Riz commented.
“I’m excited to be working with [BBC Studios executive producer] Esther Springer and all the team at BBC Studios,” he added.
BBC Drama controller Piers Wenger on this said: “Set against the familiar backdrop of the late 20th century but from a point of view which feels entirely new, Englistan is the story of the birth of multicultural Britain as seen from the inside. We are honoured to be working with Riz on this epic, deeply personal story.”
“Riz Ahmed is a phenomenal talent and ‘Englistan’ promises to be a hugely ambitious, layered and resonant drama about family and identity. New writing, massive canvas, the biggest issues; it is a perfect drama for BBC Two,” said Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two.
Englistan was commissioned by Wenger and Holland. Executive producers of the project are Ahmed for Left Handed Films, Springer and Hilary Salmon for BBC Studios Drama London and Lucy Richer for BBC Two.
Riz also took to social media to confirm this development.
Proud to be announcing this 9 part drama with the BBC.
History = Our Story.
RT if you’re repping #ENGLISTANhttps://t.co/EIJ9XL7WNR— Riz Ahmed (@rizmc) April 30, 2018
