Holocaust Memorial Day

The client

BBC Bitesize for Teachers provides free classroom resources for primary and secondary school teachers across the UK. The website is home to thousands of free curriculum-mapped classroom videos, step-by-step guides, activities and quizzes.

The creative

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, journalist and presenter Emma-Louise Amanshia meets John Hadju at his home in London to talk about his story of Holocaust survival.

Emma sets the scene and explains Holocaust Memorial Day, which marks the day the concentration camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland was liberated, and the extent of Nazi atrocities there became apparent. She also explains the importance of speaking to people who experienced the atrocities first-hand and standing up against hatred and oppression.

The interview delves into John’s incredible story of survival from the Nazi’s, explores key topics such as racism, anti-semitism and equality alongside the attributes John had to draw upon to navigate his challenging journey. 

The process

Working closely with the BBC, Redbricks were responsible for delivering the following: 

  • treatments

  • storyboards 

  • scripts

  • shot lists

  • graphics

  • cleared archive 

  • sound design 

  • contributor briefings 

  • promotional stills 

Each part of the process reflected the agreed tone of the creative and was delivered for feedback in two stages and then for approval prior to filming. 

The contributors

Newsround presenter Emma-Louise Amanshia was chosen to front the film based on her solid editorial judgment and understanding of how to produce sensitive stories in a compassionate manner, which was pivotal given the subject matter. She has a portfolio of experience in engaging secondary school audiences for the likes of BBC Radio 1, Fun Kids Radio and Spotify. 

John Hadju has over 15 years experience telling his story in secondary schools across the UK.

He has the ability to narrate of his own harrowing story, delivering with such detail, emotion and impact that you forgot the person stood in front of you is the little boy who experienced the atrocities of a mass genocide. John is a living piece of history.    

The contributor briefings in the pre-production process were essential in getting to the root of John’s story in the correct order, a compassionate manner, and executing the editorial in under six minutes. Ensuring that Emma was armed with sound knowledge of John’s back story whilst giving him the time as space to tell it was also crucial. The power and impact of this film is built upon the rapport and trust between the two of them.  

The outcome

A powerful six minute film that engages students in topical assemblies across England sparking interest, debate and discussions around values. The film was shortlisted for best shortform documentary at the 2025 Broadcast Digital Awards.