Camila’s Kids Company: the Inside Story
The unfolding story of the fight to save Kids Company, one of Britain’s best-known charities. Founded by psychotherapist Camila Batmanghelidjh, for decades the charity cared for some of the most vulnerable in society.
Director Lynn Alleway's earlier documentary 'Tough Kids - Tough Love ', broadcast in 2005, had provided an inspirational portrait of Camila's work, bringing nationwide attention to the plight of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people, many of whom had been neglected or abused. In the ten years that followed, the charity went on to expand rapidly, transforming many more lives and caring for thousands in need in London, Bristol and Liverpool.
Invited back to film again in 2015, this subsequent film 'Camila's Kids Company: the Inside Story', captured the final months of the charity. It closed in August 2015.
Rest In Peace
Camila Batmanghelidjh
(1963-2024)
‘Camila’s Kids Company… is an extraordinary film. I’ve read the papers and watched Newsnight and everything, but this is a different view… To claim that there’s no mismanagement there is bonkers, and you can feel Alleway’s growing frustration, disappointment and sadness behind the camera as she starts to lose faith in her subject, a woman she has filmed before and whom she clearly admires.’ Sam Wollaston, The Guardian
‘Camila’s Kids Company: The Inside Story took its maker on a cruel journey from supportive admiration to abject disillusionment. As the moment of truth marched ever closer towards Batmanghelidjh’s bunker, Alleway, her voice quavering, pleaded with her to take some responsibility for the crisis… Alleway never doubted the woman’s motives, but the moral of her film was that love is never all you need.’ Andrew Billen, The Times
1 x 60’
BBC1 9pm
3.2.16
Century Films
Exec Producer: Katie Bailiff