Is Chimerica based on a true story? There’s an inspirational story behind Channel 4’s new drama
FOUR-PARTER Chimerica has viewers gripped to their seats with its compelling storytelling in which it interlinks true events with fictional elements.
The Channel 4 mini series follows photographer Lee Barger who puts his career on the line by altering a photograph to help get Syria on the front page of media pages. Here’s everything you need to know…
What is Chimerica about?
The Channel 4 drama follows photojournalist Lee Berger.
In a despairing move to promote issues in Syria, Berger doctors a photograph that would grab enough attention by the media press.
As a result his integrity is called into question after he is accused of creating fake news.
Deep in regret over his decision to alter an image he then hears that Tank Man, the unidentified man he had photographed standing in front of a column of tanks in Tiananmen Square in 1989, might still be alive.
He’s quick to try to find him with the help of a Chinese friend, Zhang Lin, in order to salvage his career and reputation.
The Channel 4 drama is based on Lucy Kirkwood’s Olivier Award-winning play of the same name.
Is the series based on a true story?
The drama centres around true events but Lee Berger is a fictional character.
He is a fictional US photojournalist whose character is loosely based on Jeff Widener – the man who really snapped the Tank Man picture in 1989.
However Widener never found himself at the centre of such controversy.
Chimerica greatly tackles into politics and the growing rise and power of fake news.
There’s a strong element of truth to certain parts, such as the famous Tank Man photograph, which is commonly known to be one of the most iconic photographs ever taken.
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When is Chimerica on TV?
Chimerica hits our screens TONIGHT with episode 3 (May 1) at 9pm.
In total, the series consists of four episodes and airs weekly on Channel 4.
The show stars Alessandro Nivola as Berger and The Handmaid’s Tale star Cherry Jones, who plays a friend and colleague of Berger’s, Mel Kincaid.