Whether she is embedded on the front lines in Ukraine capturing the raw pursuit of war crimes accountability, or in Africa confronting a massive ecological injustice in Zambia, Laura Warner proves time and again that she is a fierce, visionary filmmaker who refuses to let her subjects be defined by their trauma.
Her latest piece, A LAST BIG STORY, features the legendary Jon Snow. But this isn't a passive, retrospective look at a broadcasting icon navigating an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Instead, partnering with the Alzheimer's Society, Laura completely reframes the narrative structure.
She gives Jon the agency to do what he has always done best—turn the lens outward, here exposing a devastating mining disaster that decimated a small and isolated community. I was lucky enough to be invited to a preview at the Bertha DocHouse.
Accountability on the Frontlines
This relentless dedication to holding the powerful accountable is the hallmark of Laura's career. It’s the exact same grit she brought to her gripping documentary, The Cranes Call, where she partnered with the Clooney Foundation for Justice to document the tireless fight for truth for Ukrainian war crimes survivors.
The parallel in her work is striking. Whether documenting atrocities in Ukraine, or bringing humanity to a life-altering disease, Laura empowers her subjects to fight back.
Having watched Jon and Laura in action, I have a feeling this may not be the last big story coming from either of them.
Massive congratulations to Jon Snow, Dr Precious Lunga, Laura Warner, Ben de Pear, and the brilliant teams at Basement Films and Channel 4.
Do not miss their broadcast on Channel 4 on June 20th!
