PBS today announced DIANA - HER STORY, a new documentary featuring rare video of Diana, Princess of Wales, speaking openly and candidly about her life and troubled marriage, along with new revealing interviews with some of her closest confidants. What emerges is the story of a shy young girl who was swept onto the world stage in 1980 and who died tragically in 1997 as one of the most famous women in the world, an independent, modern "people's princess." The film is produced by Kaboom Film & TV and is directed by Kevin Sim ("Once Upon a Time In Iran," "Beslan") and executive produced by Charles Furneaux ("Touching The Void," "The Shooting of Thomas Hurndall," "Treblinka"). DIANA - HER STORY premieres on Tuesday, August 22, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET on PBS.
In 1992, Diana, whose marriage was in trouble, was becoming increasingly isolated from the royal family. Believing that her popular appeal was her greatest strength, she hired speech coach Peter Settelen to help improve her public speaking and reinvent her public persona in the midst of personal strife. In a series of disarmingly frank videos shot by Settelen at Kensington Palace, a private Diana comes into view as she ultimately reveals her version of the events. Playful, charming and unguarded, she tells stories from her life in intimate detail, sharing how she went from shy teenage girl to unhappy newlywed to a young woman searching for her own voice and place in the world.
"Diana, Princess of Wales left an indelible impression on the world. As we reflect on the anniversary of her untimely passing,
PBS shares her story in her own words through this rare footage captured at a turning point in her life," said Beth Hoppe, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience programming at PBS.
DIANA - HER STORY places the events of Diana's life into historical context, revealing a nation hungry for what seemed to be a fairytale marriage between Charles and Diana. Further insight is provided through new in-depth interviews with those closest to Diana, including long-term trusted confidant James Colthurst, ballet teacher Anne Allan, private secretary Patrick Jephson and personal protection officer Ken Wharfe. The multi-layered and nuanced portrait of Diana that emerges is of a naïve teenage girl who ultimately transformed herself into someone the crown would fear as more popular than the monarchy itself.
DIANA - HER STORY is produced by Kaboom Film & TV LTD for
PBS in association with Channel 4 in the UK. Channel 4 will be airing a film that includes similar material in August 2017. The projects are overseen by Vice President of Programming and Development Bill Gardner for PBS, and Channel 4's Deputy Chief Creative Officer & Head of Factual Ralph Lee.
About Kaboom Film & TV
Kaboom Film & TV is an independent television production company that has been running since autumn 2014. From high-end blue chip documentaries to factual entertainment and drama, Kaboom makes television that is popular and smart. Kaboom works with some of the best talent in the industry, and together create well-crafted, successful shows. Kaboom was launched in autumn 2014 and is owned by award winning Executive Producer Charles Furneaux. As an EP he's produced popular programming from factual entertainment and popular documentary through peak time factual, to drama and feature documentaries.
About
PBS PBS, with nearly 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month,
PBS reaches nearly 100 million people through television and nearly 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions.
TEACHERS of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to
PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS' premier children's media service,
PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations,
PBS Kids offers high-quality educational content on TV - including a new 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Gemma Levine/Hulton
