28 July 2020

S4C and Cwmni Da are delighted to announce that its documentary, Eirlys, Dementia a Tim has been shortlisted in the 2020 Grierson Awards.

The Grierson Awards, also known at The British Documentary Awards, is the biggest event in the UK documentary calendar. The awards recognise and celebrate documentaries that demonstrate quality, integrity, creativity, originality and overall excellence.

The documentary, produced and directed by Cwmni Da's Sion Aaron for S4C's DRYCH series – a series of captivating documentaries that reflect life in Wales today - is nominated in the 'Best Single Documentary – Domestic' category.

Eirlys, Dementia and Tim, originally broadcast in January 2020, tells the moving story of two old friends who meet again after following very different paths in their lives. The documentary gives a different picture to the usual portrayal of a person living with Alzheimer's and delivers a powerful message from Eirlys, not to be afraid.

Sion Aaron said: "I'm delighted that our documentary has been nominated. Tim Lynn and Eirlys Smith tell an incredible story, both moving and humorous. Dementia touches a lot of people's lives and we tried our best to portray the reality facing people like Eirlys who lives with early onset Alzheimer's.

Executive Producer, Dylan Huws added: "The Grierson Awards are very prestigious and it's a great honour to be among so many big names on the list. It shows that we can produce challenging and engaging stories in the Welsh language that stand alongside the best in the world."

Llinos Wynne, S4C's Factual Commissioner, said: "Sometimes there is a commission that really touches the heart. Eirlys, Dementia and Tim is a great example of that. This is a documentary that managed to portray a different picture of a person living with Alzheimer's and convey a powerful and positive message not to be afraid. I am delighted that this film has been nominated and is seen among the UK's most powerful documentaries. Congratulations to the whole team."

Eirlys, Dementia a Tim is Wales' sole representative in the awards which are contested by all broadcasters in the UK. The Grierson Awards Ceremony will take place on the evening of 10 November 2020 at the Southbank Centre, London.

Full Shortlist: https://griersontrust.org/grierson-awards/the-grierson-awards/shortlist