Hostage nominated for Best Documentary Series at the 2026 Grierson Awards

We are so proud that this series has been recognised by Grierson. Made in partnership with the inimitable Ben de Pear and Basement Films, alongside our colleagues at The Times Anthony Loyd and Manveen Rava, the series was brilliantly directed by Marian Mohamed, produced by Alec Webb, and includes the amazing work of archive producers Jacqui Edwards and Holly Mina Jones.

In 2012, freelance photojournalists John Cantlie and James Foley pursue career-defining stories amidst the emerging Syrian conflict. John gets on the trail of some foreign fighters as unrest descends into war.Then, their reporting attracts the attention of extremists, and what began as a tense investigation spirals into a dangerous encounter that will change their lives forever.

Available to watch on BBC iPlayer