‘Star Wars’ actor brings multi-generational 20th century family drama to BBC Two
The BBC has announced the commission of Englistan, created by Rogue One: A Star Wars Story star Riz Ahmed.
The nine-part drama series will follow the story of three generations of a British Pakistani family, the Latifs, as they pursue their dreams over four tumultuous decades.
Ahmed, also known for his roles in Girls, Nightcrawler and Jason Bourne, commented: “Englistan is an untold British story with universal themes and resonance. It’s the story I always wanted to tell, and it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to do so.”
Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, added: “Set against the familiar backdrop of the late 20th but from a point of view which feels entirely new, Englistan is the story of the birth of multicultural Britain as seen from the inside. We are honoured to be working with Riz on this epic, deeply personal story.”
The official synopsis reads: “Englistan will re-frame recent British history, and shine a light on the forces that have made our society what it is today.
“We will follow them through political movements and economic boom and bust, through gang-land rivalries and assimilation into the heart of the establishment, through spiritual soul-searching and religious conflict.
“Our characters will question what it means to be true to oneself, to belong, and whether ‘home’ is a country, a community, or something much more personal.
“Above all this is a story of family, of the enduring love a family provides, how it sustains us, restricts us, and defines us for better or worse.”
Described as “a hugely ambitious, layered and resonant drama about family and identity” by Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two, Englistan is expected to air on BBC Two in 2019.