Netflix UK Unveils Documentary Talent Fund Winners

Projects about a renowned deaf DJ and why Black people struggle with swimming comprise some of the latest winners of Netflix UK’s Documentary Talent Fund.

The winning docs received £30,000 ($38,000) each and are focused on the theme of “connection.” They were showcased at a premiere event at London’s Ham Yard Hotel last night and are now available to watch via Netflix’s 6.3 million-subscriber YouTube Channel Still Watching.

The projects, which can be seen below in full, include a story about deaf DJ Troi Lee, titled Turn Up The Bass, created by a mostly deaf crew, to a film exploring the stark statistic that 87% of Black people in the UK can’t swim. Other projects include Iranian Yellow Pages about a man trying to make a new life in London who places an advert in an eccentric newspaper and discovers the Iranian community hidden in plain sight.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with such talented filmmakers and watch each teams’ ideas blossom into fully formed documentaries,” said Kate Townsend, Netflix’s Director, Documentary Film. “We are immensely proud of the tenacity, grit and creativity demonstrated to get the films made and presented to this final standard of excellence.”

The second year of the fund includes filmmakers from across the UK and Ireland – including talent and teams from Bristol, Reading, The Midlands, London and Dublin.

The projects:

Anna Snowball & Abolfazl Talooni – Iranian Yellow Pages: Trying to make his new life in London a success, Reza places an advert in an eccentric newspaper and discovers the Iranian community hidden in plain sight.
Anna Rodgers & Zlata Filipovic – Two Mothers: An unusual bond compels an Irish mother to travel to war torn Ukraine in order to bring her former surrogate and her family to safety.
Caroline Williamson & Troi Lee – Turn Up The Bass: The inspirational story of Troi Lee, a deaf DJ, founder of ‘deaf rave’ and pioneer of the UK’s deaf music scene. Troi and his team of deaf producers, DJs, MCs, sign singers and dancers will turn up the bass as they celebrate 20 years of deaf raving.
Logan Rea & Krishna Istha – Sperm Dogs Wanted!: Following a transgender performance artist as he interviews hundreds of potential sperm donors live on stage in a quest to find the ultimate connection, one that will enable him and his partner to start their family.
Olivia Smart – Black Stroke: Drowning isn’t an option as three people tackle their biggest fear.