Renowned documentary director Asif Kapadia has been confirmed to direct the final instalment of ITV's seminal Up series, titled 70 Up, which will air later this year. This appointment marks the conclusion of a groundbreaking television project that began in 1964 and has profoundly influenced British culture.
A Prestigious Legacy and New Leadership
Kapadia, celebrated for his intimate portraits of figures like Amy Winehouse, Ayrton Senna, and Diego Maradona, described taking on this role as an "incredible honour and privilege." He steps into the shoes of the series' longtime director, Michael Apted, who passed away in 2021. Kapadia has long admired the Up series, calling it his favourite documentary of all time and considering it "the ultimate portrait of human life."
The Cultural Impact of the Up Series
The Up series, which originated as a one-off Granada World in Action programme, was conceived by Tim Hewat. It was based on the Jesuit adage, "Give me the child until he is seven and I will show you the man," aiming to explore the British class system. Initially, Apted served as a researcher, selecting fourteen seven-year-olds from diverse backgrounds. The series evolved into a recurring documentary, checking in on participants every seven years, offering a unique longitudinal study of human development.
In 2024, the series was voted the most influential UK TV show of the last 50 years by the Broadcasting Press Guild, a testament to its enduring relevance. Jo Clinton-Davis, ITV's controller of factual, who commissioned 70 Up, praised the series as a landmark in film-making that has become "part of our cultural fabric." She emphasized that Kapadia's passion and creativity will safeguard the precious legacy of Up while paying tribute to Apted's vision.
Notable Participants and Their Journeys
The series has captivated audiences with the real-life stories of its participants. For instance, Neil Hughes from Liverpool, who at age seven aspired to be an astronaut, experienced significant life challenges, including depression and homelessness, before finding stability as a lay preacher and Liberal Democrat councillor. Hughes once remarked that the series represented Apted's "interpretation" of his life.
Remarkably, only one participant, Charles Furneaux, withdrew from the project early, though some have opted out of certain instalments. The series has seen the passing of two participants: Lynn Johnson in 2013 and Nick Hitchon, a Yorkshire farmer's son who became a respected scientist, in 2023.
Apted's Vision and Kapadia's Conclusion
In a 2012 interview with the Guardian, Apted expressed his commitment to the series, stating, "As long as I'm above ground, I'll carry on ... Maybe if I wasn't above ground, someone else would take it over." This prediction has now materialized with Kapadia at the helm for the concluding chapter. Clinton-Davis highlighted that this final instalment is not only a tribute to Apted but also to the courage of the cast members who continue to share their lives, allowing viewers to see reflections of their own experiences.
The Up series has transcended its initial scope to become a cultural touchstone, documenting the complexities of human existence across decades. With Kapadia's direction, 70 Up promises to provide a fitting and poignant end to this extraordinary documentary journey, celebrating the resilience and diversity of the human spirit.
