THE WAVE THAT SHOOK THE WORLD: ITV MARK ANNIVERSARY OF 2004 BOXING DAY TSUNAMI

ITV have commissioned Tsunami: The Wave That Shook The World (1x120'), a special documentary which commemorates the 20th anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean Boxing Day Tsunami.

Charting the moment by moment eruption of one of the biggest disasters in natural history, this film also recounts the extraordinary stories of human determination against the odds. Fremantle is handling international distribution for the documentary.

The documentary combines gripping storytelling with GFX technology to bring the events of December 26 2004 to life. GFX is used as a powerful visual tool to help tell each stage of the story.

Tom Brisley, CEO, Arrow Media, says: “Twenty years ago, the world witnessed an unimaginable tragedy. This film is our tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the power of nature.

“Arrow Media is committed to making inspiring stories for audiences worldwide and we were delighted that John Smithson, who originated the project whilst at Arrow, was able to come back as Executive Producer to deliver it. This film will give viewers a unique perspective of the terrible events of that day, told through the eyes of those who experienced it first-hand.”

John Smithson, Executive Producer, adds: “We made the creative decision to focus on just a handful of survivors and tell the story entirely in their own words. This gave us the screen time to become fully absorbed in their personal stories, as they experience the trauma and tragedy of the disaster, and desperate search for loved ones in the aftermath.”

Jo Clinton-Davis, Controller of Factual ITV, said: “Arrow Media has real provenance in telling the significant stories of our time through a unique and compelling human lens. This landmark documentary special conveys not only the power of a tragic event, but the strength of the human spirit.”

Jens Richter, CEO, Commercial and International, Fremantle said, “The 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami is a poignant moment in history and on its 20th anniversary, this extraordinary documentary will not only pay tribute to the lives lost, but bring powerful survivor stories to life through its incredibly moving narrative. We are proud to be working with Arrow Media and ITV to be able to share this historical event with a global audience, featuring firsthand personal accounts from that fateful day.”

Contributors will share photographs, diary extracts and artefacts recovered from the Tsunami which have never been seen before. With some going back to the Tsunami location reuniting them with others whose lives powerfully intersected in 2004, but who have not seen each other for decades in powerful and emotional reunions.

Tsunami: The Wave That Shook The World will air on ITV1 and ITVX later this year.