"Two Sides" receives Emmy nomination

Two Sides, a critically acclaimed three-part behind-the-scenes documentary series on the historic 2021 British & Irish Lions tour has been nominated for an International Emmy.

A co-production between South African production company T+W and Wales-based Whisper Cymru, the series ‘Two Sides’ has been shortlisted for Best Sports Documentary against just three other international nominations. The documentary was commissioned by, and made in conjunction with, the British & Irish Lions and the South Africa Rugby Union.

The documentary series ‘Two Sides’ explores what transpired in the Springbok and Lions camps during the 2021 Tour of South Africa. Stepping away from the traditional Lions doc format, ‘Two Sides’ tells the story of both the Lions and Springboks during the first Tour to South Africa since 2009.

The documentary features fly-on-the-wall footage of both camps as they took part in a fascinating series of games which was successfully completed against the hugely challenging backdrop of a global pandemic.

It’s the first time Whisper or T+W have been nominated for an International Emmy.

“This documentary shows how both sides rose to the unprecedented challenge of hosting a major sporting event during a global pandemic,” said Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions.

Rian Oberholzer, South African Rugby Union CEO added: “Rugby fans will find this documentary fascinating and entertaining in equal measure, with the added twist this time of getting a fly-on-the-wall view of both camps involved in this unique tour. Two Sides will act as a wonderful archive for rugby fans to look back upon for decades to come.”

And Carys Owens, Whisper Cymru Managing Director said of the nomination: “Filmed amid a backdrop of civil unrest and Covid, this was a challenging lock-down project for the entire production crew, but one that we absolutely lived and breathed during its execution. It is always such a privilege to be allowed access into the inner sanctum of team sports, but the biggest thanks goes to the players and coaches that trust us to tell their stories.

To be nominated for an Emmy is such a huge achievement. I am really proud of the whole team – to be nominated alone feels like a win in itself!”