Huge congratulations to Stern & Wild filmmakers Kira Phillips and Benedict Sanderson whose harrowing documentary SEE NO EVIL was awarded the Best Documentary Series prize at last night’s Grierson Awards.
Produced by Passion Pictures for Channel 4, the two-part series uncovers the life and crimes of former barrister and evangelical leader John Smyth and the subsequent cover-up by senior leaders within the Church of England and other institutions. Benedict is Series Director and Kira is Executive Producer alongside Passion Pictures’ Hamish Fergusson.
Benedict described the project as “part horror film, part investigative thriller, part family drama”. It explores how Smyth was able to evade responsibility for abusing over 100 boys and young men at his home and the Christian summer camps he ran for decades, the fight to bring him to justice, and how the scandal eventually led to the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It includes searing testimony from some of Smyth’s victims including his own children and features the first ever interview with his wife of 50 years.
The Grierson judges said: “This documentary series took accountability to another level. Delivered with simplicity and sensitivity, the series seamlessly weaved together archive, interviews and reconstruction to deliver a powerful, emotional story. Jurors lauded the duty of care, access and interview technique evident on screen throughout.”
The series first aired in December 2025, winning praise from both critics and audiences. The Grierson Award is its second major accolade following the BAFTA Television Award win for best Factual Series in May this year.
We are absolutely thrilled for the whole team behind this project and for all the winners and nominees at last night’s Awards. It was a fantastic evening.
