Our War: 10 Years Later

Marking the end of Britain’s campaign in Helmand, BBC Three’s ground-breaking award-winning series Our War told the story of the war in Afghanistan in the words and photographs of the soldiers themselves.

Ten years ago, the BBC commissioned BBC Studios to produce a new film that will take us back to the deep and raw stories told through footage taken by young soldiers who fought in Afghanistan after 9/11. Using scenes from the original films, this new documentary retells some of the men caught on camera during the conflict with the Taliban.

Back then, they were still boys on the biggest adventure of their lives. Now they are men, some married, some single, all still defined by their experience as soldiers. This film invites them back to their best and worst times. Some of them would turn back in no time. Most of them were lucky to have the chance to grow up and live their lives, as some of their friends and colleagues were unable to do so.

Someone never watched the original films, someone humorously recalls how he is recognized and remembered as “the one who tried to exchange a feather for a chicken.”

Their testimonies provide a powerful insight into the legacy of war as they reflect on who they were then, who they are now and how their time in the military affects their lives today.

Claire Sillery, Head of Documentary at the BBC, said: “The double BAFTA-winning original series Our War took a fresh look at the reality of war, using UGC footage and the testimonies of young soldiers on the front line in Afghanistan. Ten years on, we return with a special new episode to catch up with some of those young people, bringing a whole new perspective to the events and how their experiences have affected their lives.”

Our War: 10 Years Later (1 x 60) is produced for BBC Three and iPlayer by the Documentary Division of BBC Studios. It was commissioned by Claire Sillery, BBC’s head of documentaries, and Fiona Campbell, controller of BBC iPlayer and youth audiences. It is produced and directed by Cian McIlvaine, creative director of BBC Studios is Kirsty Cunningham, executive producer is Joe Abel. Produced by Jess Boyer and Executive Producer by Gabriella James. BBC editor – Emma Loach.

VC

Interview with creative director Kirsty Cunningham

Why make this documentary?

Ten years have passed since the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan. The young soldiers who took part in this conflict are now in their thirties. Their lives have changed, and the passage of time gives them a chance to look back on their experiences from a different perspective. All but one of the soldiers we interviewed for this film left the Army, but memories of soldiers’ time at war, both good and bad, continue to resonate today.

What was it like working again with some of the soldiers featured in the original doc, some of whom you hadn’t seen in years?

The team behind this film were not involved in the original series, but the positive relationship built up by the BBC’s Our War team meant that the soldiers we contacted were willing to take part in this new film. Although looking back on their experience was difficult at times, they trusted the team and the process.

Are there any moments in the documentary that you think will stick with viewers?

The raw and visceral impact of UGC (user generated content) captured by soldiers in the original series is used to explore moments of tension and fear as seen and experienced by the soldiers themselves. It is the combination of a sensitive interview with footage that will bring these stories to the audience. The moments that stand out are Matt’s reaction to his friend’s death; The courage of Chris, who risked detonating an IED in his determination to save a critically injured US Marine – an IED victim, and Jordan’s experiences as an IED survivor.

What was the most important message you wanted to convey in making this documentary?

The decision to sign up will affect your entire life. You will experience the best of times and the worst of times; friendships and camaraderie that you rarely find again alongside dark experiences that you will have to learn to live with.

Interview with director-producer Sian McIlvaine

How do you feel about making such a documentary?

Making any documentary film is a complex process. In this film, the challenge was to rework stories that were told using footage that had already been used.

Staying true to events, the decade that has passed since the original series has allowed the soldiers to look back from a more detailed perspective and given them time to consider the legacy of their experiences.

It was an interesting process for me because I remember watching the first episode when I was in university, so I was the same age and generation as the soldiers. When I decided to leave home and go to university, they decided to go to war. I was fascinated by it and how such a huge decision at such a young age changed the course of our lives. I was interested in understanding how they looked back on the war and how these experiences and memories shaped them today.

Do you think using UGC (User Generated Content) featured everywhere gives your audience a different perspective on viewing?

The hope is that using UGC will immerse the audience in the experiences of our contributors. As soldiers, they did an incredible job of capturing their lives on the front line, and by having their footage at the center of the documentary, I hope we’ve created something that resonates deeply with the viewer. I hope that the relatively direct use of UGC will create a greater sense of empathy and understanding of the lasting impact of war and how it lingers long after returning home.”

Are there any moments in the documentary that you think will stick with viewers?

UGC has some really outstanding points. Moments that show tension and fear, but also moments of fun and levity. Combined with sensitive, honest interviews, I hope viewers will experience the visceral effects and emotions of the war, which paint a nuanced picture of life in Afghanistan and how it has affected the British soldiers who have left.