BBC names Philippa Kowarsky Commissioning Editor of Storyville

The BBC has appointed Philippa Kowarsky as the new Commissioning Editor of its documentary strand Storyville. “As a firm believer in public service television and its role in democracies, I’m proud to be working for the BBC," Kowarsky said. "I’m looking forward to merging my love of great storytelling with Storyville’s, and to upholding its commitment to reach and include audiences all over the UK."

Kowarsky will report to Rose Garnett, director of BBC Film, and be tasked with identifying and co-producing original documentary feature films with creators from around the world, across the BBC’s platforms. Kowarsky's other responsibilities will include identifying and coproducing global original documentary feature films for the BBC platform. “Philippa’s extraordinary experience and formidable reputation as a champion for bold, original stories and filmmakers make this a truly exciting appointment," Garnett said.

Lapping is set to report to Sue Deeks, head of program acquisition, and will work to acquire both documentary films and factual programming for the BBC, working closely with Kowarsky.“Crossing over from Cinephil, my company of over 20 years, and from sales, distribution and production to commissioning is a thrilling prospect,”  Kowarsky said.

The founder of International Sales and Advisory firm Cinephil, previously worked on independent international documentary productions, from strategy and marketing, to global distribution and acting as a co-producer and executive producer. She represented and oversaw a slate of films including Joshua Oppenheimer and Christine Cynn’s "The Act Of Killing" and Alexander Nanau’s "Collective." Kowarsky also serves as a documentary producer whose credits include Dror Moreh’s The Gatekeepers, Andre Singer’s Night Will Fall, and most recently Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s Flee.