Image: Sky TV Press
By Jon Donnis
Sky have announced the upcoming release of the Sky Exclusive documentary film Hill, which will air on Sky Documentaries and streaming service NOW later this year. The 90-minute feature offers a deep and personal insight into the life of Damon Hill, the Formula 1 World Champion, as he recounts his journey to success despite the loss of his father, Graham Hill, a racing legend in his own right. With intimate interviews featuring Damon and his family, the film explores the challenges he faced in following his father's iconic footsteps and his ultimate triumph in claiming the championship title.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Formula 1, the film delves into pivotal moments of Damon Hill's career. It recounts his intense rivalry with Michael Schumacher, widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport, and his emotional struggle with the tragic death of Ayrton Senna, his team-mate who lost his life during a race at the age of just 34. This documentary promises to reveal the raw and emotional side of life as a top-tier racing driver.
Simon Lazenby, producer of Hill and a familiar face as an F1 presenter on Sky Sports, shared how the idea for the documentary came to life. Reflecting on a conversation in a Montreal airport in 2018 after the Canadian Grand Prix, he recalled Damon mentioning his own story as a compelling one worthy of telling. Seven years in the making, Lazenby described the project as a labour of love and credited director Alex Holmes and editor Cinzia Baldessari with beautifully crafting the film into an extraordinary narrative that audiences will find captivating.
Damon Hill, reflecting on the process of revisiting his life and career for the film, noted the emotional toll of reliving his journey, describing it as exhausting yet ultimately rewarding. He expressed his hope that his story would inspire viewers, whether as an example of determination or as a cautionary tale. Hill's unconventional route to the championship, marked by personal and professional hurdles, is sure to resonate with fans of the sport and beyond.
Alex Wright, Acquisitions Manager at Sky, expressed enthusiasm for bringing the film to audiences in the UK and Ireland, celebrating Damon Hill as a British motorsport icon and emphasising the appeal of this powerful and exciting story. Directed by BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Alex Holmes, whose previous work includes Maiden and The Rig, the film is produced by Simon Lazenby and Victoria Barrell of Sylver Entertainment, alongside Cora Palfrey and Luc Roeg of Independent Entertainment.
Hill is a unique family story set within the high-octane world of Formula 1. Damon Hill's remarkable journey to becoming a world champion, against all odds and in the shadow of his legendary father, is one of resilience, loss, and ultimate success. Sky acquired the rights to the documentary from Signature Entertainment, and it is set to premiere later this year.
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