We’re proud to share that our BBC documentary Survival: To The Brink and Back has been selected as a Featured Project in the British Council’s UK Films Database (Films & Festivals). The listing recognises the film’s craft and impact, and sits alongside notable UK documentary work showcased for international programmers and festivals.
About the film
The documentary follows veteran explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison as he recovers from a life-threatening battle with Covid-19 and attempts to climb Brown Willy, Cornwall’s highest peak, to raise funds for a Critical Care Healing Garden at Royal Cornwall Hospital. At 84, Robin credits the restorative power of nature as central to his recovery—an idea the film explores with intimacy and purpose.
From BBC Spotlight to BBC World
Commissioned by BBC Spotlight and later broadcast on BBC World, the film reached global audiences with multiple transmissions over the Christmas period—proof that a local story from Cornwall can resonate worldwide.
Our role
Here Now Films led the project end-to-end, from initial concept and development through production, post and final delivery, with a lean, multi-disciplinary team.
Credits on the British Council page include:
- Director/DoP Oliver Couch
- Producer/Screenwriter Edward Williamson-Smit
- Executive Producer Samantha Smith
- Sound Oliver Couch
- Drone Adam Watson.
Why this matters
The British Council listing helps international curators and festival teams discover new UK work. For us, it’s meaningful recognition of character-led storytelling rooted in place—and a nudge to keep championing human stories with real-world outcomes.
Explore more
- British Council project page: Survival: To The Brink and Back.
- Our film page with background and stills. (Here Now Films)
If you’d like to screen the film or discuss broadcast and festival opportunities, get in touch with the team at ed@herenow.film.