DUBAI: Al Jazeera English’s Fault Lines documentary series has secured two top honours at the 86th Annual Overseas Press Club of America (OPC) Awards, held in New York last week.
The network’s acclaimed productions – The Night Won’t End and Children of the Darien Gap – were recognised for excellence in international reporting and human-interest storytelling.
The OPC awards, among the most coveted in global journalism, celebrate outstanding international news coverage. This year, Al Jazeera English was acknowledged for its ability to spotlight stories often overlooked, delving into the human cost of conflict and displacement with both visual and emotional power.
Award-winning Gaza film
The Night Won’t End, an 80-minute documentary chronicling the struggles of three Palestinian families in Gaza, was awarded the best TV, video or documentary prize about international affairs. Produced under extreme conditions amid Israeli bombardment, the film impressed judges with its “cinematically beautiful” presentation and courageous fieldwork.
The film had already earned accolades earlier this year, including a Royal Television Society award. Directed by Kavitha Chekuru and reported by Sharif Abdel Kouddous, the project was praised for its depth, emotion, and unflinching portrayal of life in a war zone.
Executive Producer Laila Al-Arian credited the film’s success to the team’s commitment to investigative journalism and immersive storytelling. “This recognition honours their extraordinary efforts in one of the most challenging reporting environments,” she stated.
Darien Gap journey
The second win came for Children of the Darien Gap, which took home the award for best international reporting in TV, video, radio, audio or podcast that shows concern for the human condition. The 25-minute documentary follows a family fleeing corruption and gang violence in Ecuador, undertaking the dangerous route through the Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama.
Judges described the film as “powerful, poignant, and meticulously reported,” applauding its emotional resonance and detailed journalism. The project was helmed by producer Mark Scialla, correspondent John Holman, and editor Adrienne Haspel, all of whom were commended for capturing the perilous migrant experience with clarity and empathy.
Rafi Mustafa, Manager of Investigative Programmes at Al Jazeera English, remarked that the OPC wins are “a testament to the hard work done by the Fault Lines team in telling these critically important stories.” He emphasised the network’s mission to provide viewers with unfiltered insights into the lives of those affected by global crises.