University News Last updated 24 April 2014
Birmingham born award-winning programme maker Tommy Nagra will discuss his work in making a catalogue of ground-breaking films tackling the sensitive and sometimes controversial issues facing modern Britain at a public talk next month.
Tommy Nagra is currently Head of Business Development for BBC Birmingham, but was previously renowned as a programme maker and creative leader both at the BBC and Independent Sector. Tommy will delve into his 20-year career as a filmmaker and Executive Producer covering the lives of diverse faith communities. The talk will examine the importance and skill of storytelling and its power in reflecting and challenging societal norms.
The latest in the series of Birmingham City University City Talks, 'The Untold Stories of Multi-Cultural Britain', will make reference to a number of Tommy's hard-hitting documentaries, uncovering the history of minority communities, miscarriages of justice, the practice of cousin marriages and sexual grooming.
The free event will take place at 6.30pm on Thursday 22 May at the Parkside Building, Cardigan Street, Birmingham.
"I'm proud to be a product of one of the most diverse cities in Europe. Growing up and living in Birmingham has without doubt shaped my work and desire to tell stories that connect, engage, provoke, entertain and inform," said Tommy.
"Birmingham's young and diverse population brings both challenges and opportunities in reflecting the UK of tomorrow. I look forward to sharing insights and experiences at this event."
Tommy's eclectic body of work has won numerous national and international awards and he has been credited with helping launch the TV careers of an array of on and off screen talent. He was honoured at the inaugural Carlton Multicultural Awards for Achievement in Broadcasting and in 2010 and was recognised by the CDN (Cultural Diversity Network) for a special award honouring his work in mentoring new filmmakers and talent.
He has worked at the sharp end of running a channel as a Channel Development Executive for BBC Two under then controller Jane Root and in his previous role as Head of Television for BBC's Religion & Ethics Department in Salford, oversaw the BBC's coverage of the Papal Visit and Enthronement of The Archbishop of Canterbury.
During his time as Head of the BBC's Asian Programmes Unit (APU), Tommy Nagra introduced a raft of new programmes which included 'Desi DNA', 'Booty Queens', 'Pakistani Actually', 'Marrying My Cousin', 'Conflicts', 'India's Ladyboys', and 'British Paki and Proud?'
His varied career has seen him produce a number of hard-hitting documentaries for both the BBC and Channel 4 including 'Kidnapped and Drugged for Family Honour', 'Ghetto Britain', '1984 - A Sikh Story', 'The Story of the Swastika', 'Great British Islam', 'Jesus Camp', 'Exiled: The Ugandan Asian Story', 'Dispatches: The Military and The Mullahs' and 2013's RTS Award Winning 'Hillsborough: Never Forgotten'.
Birmingham-born Tommy Nagra began his new role as Head of Business Development for BBC Birmingham in January this year.
'The Untold Stories of Multi-Cultural Britain' will be facilitated by Marc Reeves, Publishing Director at Trinity Mirror Midlands - publisher of titles such as the Birmingham Mail, Birmingham Post and Coventry Telegraph.