COLIN BARR: Oh. This is amazing, especially when you think about how strong all those films were. This film is really built on the commitment and care of lots of people; at the BBC Charlotte Moore; Lucy Richer, Clare Sillery.
On the production, Euros Lyn, director; Levi David Addai, the writer; the indomitable Susan Horth. An amazing cast, Wunmi, Babou, Sammy.
(Applause)
But there are a couple of people who are up here with us for whom this was much, much more than just a film; it was their lives. Richard Taylor and Tunde Taylor, would you step forward as well, Richard and Tunde?
(Applause)
Tunde is Damilola’s older brother; and Tunde’s irrepressible spirit and intelligence just enriched the film in so many different ways. He was a wonderful, wonderful presence throughout, and I really want to say thank you, Tunde; you were wonderful. Thanks.
(Applause)
But above everybody else, Richard Taylor, Damilola’s father. If ever there was an example of how the worst that humanity has to offer can sometimes — sometimes — bring out the best in us as human beings, Richard is it.
(Applause)
For 15 years, his courage and his grace and the work that he has done with the Damilola Taylor Trust has inspired thousands and thousands of people; and he inspired us throughout this process. There were times when we were asking him to relive the most painful things you could ask any father, any husband, to relive and he never once lost his patience; he never once resisted it. He always encouraged us to go to the parts of the story that were most difficult, because he saidthat was where the truth lay and he wanted an audience to see the truth. So this award is for the Taylor family: Richard, Tunde, Beme, the much missed Gloria, and of course for Damilola himself. Thank you.
Can we ask for a little patience? I know Richard would like to say something himself. I know I am flouting the rules. I can’t resist that.
RICHARD TAYLOR: Thank you, BAFTA. Thank you, audience.Today is a great day to remember. It is a very memorable. Thank you. I just want to thank the team and I want to dedicate this to the memory of Damilola Taylor and to Gloria, my late wife. And first and foremost, send an appeal, a strong appeal to the young people on the street killing themselves. Parents are crying. Mothers are crying.
(Applause)
The surge of killing has gone up recently in the city of London. I beg you all to stop this unnecessary killing of innocent people. Stop it, please. Young people. Please spread the message to them. Thank you. Thank you.
(Applause)