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USA, Europe to produce local versions of Go Back to Where You Came From

Landmark SBS documentary series is licensed to BBC America and European broadcasters.

Landmark documentary series Go Back To Where You Came From has been licensed as a format to BBC America.

The format by Cordell Jigsaw, which saw six Australians experiencing life as an asylum seeker, has also been sold to TV2 Denmark, Keshet Broadcasting for Israel. Local versions will also be developed for the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and South Africa.

SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid said: “It’s rare for a television format to be able to break new ground using an issue that’s a political hot button worldwide. The high level of interest from both international broadcasters and production companies is testament to the compelling nature of the format and the fertile ground it offers to tap into local sentiments about refugees and asylum seekers.”

Michael Cordell of Cordell Jigsaw said: “Go Back proved important issues don’t have to be dull television. We’re proud the series became part of the national debate on asylum seekers and is now on its way to becoming part of the international debate. We’re also cock-a-hoop about the format sales. Instead of being a dumping ground for overseas formats, for once, an Australian format is being exported to the rest of the world. Hopefully it will help balance our cultural terms of trade.”

Perry Simon, General Manager, Channels, BBC Worldwide Americas: “In the tradition of the BBC, BBC AMERICA is committed to bold, provocative original programming that illuminates contemporary social and cultural issues. Go Back to Where You Came From provides another perspective on immigrants and refugees that is sure to spark conversation among our viewers and the public at large.”

As well as articles in The New York Times and on the BBC the show was recently nominated for an international Rose D’Or Award.

A new season will air on SBS later this year.

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