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DOCUMENTARY, ARTICLE
Birmingham’s Story Takes Center Stage
Birmingham has always pulsed with creativity — a city whose sound, soul, and spirit have inspired the world. Now, that legacy takes center stage in Birmingham: A City Rooted in Talent, a groundbreaking new documentary series celebrating the icons, innovators, and unsung heroes who shaped the city’s cultural DNA.
Set to premiere on Friday, 22 November at Millennium Point, this star-studded event will showcase Birmingham’s influence across music, sport, television, and beyond — from Black Sabbath’s thunderous revolution in rock to Aston Villa’s European glory, Duran Duran’s global style revolution, and the voices of countless Brummie trailblazers who defined an era.
A City That Changed the World
Created by acclaimed Birmingham-born authors-turned-filmmakers D.G. Torrens and Martin Tracey, the documentary is a love letter to their hometown — a tribute to the creativity, resilience, and selfless spirit that define Birmingham.
“This film is a collective vision from two Brummie authors with a shared dream and a whole lot of passion for the city,” says D.G. Torrens.
Martin Tracey adds, “We really wanted to harness and showcase the talent of Birmingham to place it at the forefront of recognition. What we discovered was a selfless Brummie spirit that shone through all of the people who helped us make the documentary.”
Featuring exclusive interviews and never-before-seen archival footage, the film brings together an extraordinary roster of cultural icons, including:
- Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)
- Bev Bevan (ELO)
- Joan Armatrading
- Ruby Turner
- Jasper Carrott
- Nick Owen
- Karen Carney OBE, former England Lioness and beloved sports broadcaster — recently announced as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2025 (the UK’s version of Dancing with the Stars)
- Gary Shaw and Tony Morley, heroes of Aston Villa’s golden era
From the Industrial Revolution to the global music charts, Birmingham: A City Rooted in Talent reveals the heartbeat of a city that continues to shape culture on every level.
One City. Multiple Visions. Infinite Voices. This powerful documentary unveils untold stories from the creative heart of Britain, celebrating Birmingham’s unmatched legacy of cultural innovation.
A Premiere to Remember
The VIP world premiere at Millennium Point is set to be a highlight of Birmingham’s cultural calendar — bringing together the stars of the film, local legends, and a city ready to celebrate its own story. Millennium Point’s Commercial Director Rebecca Delmore shared her excitement:
“We can’t wait to see Birmingham: A City Rooted in Talent on our giant screen. It’s wonderful that so many Birmingham icons are supporting this event, and we are thrilled to host them in our iconic city landmark.”
With appearances from the city’s most beloved musicians, comedians, broadcasters, and athletes, this documentary doesn’t just revisit history — it reignites pride in Birmingham’s identity. From UB40 to Dexys Midnight Runners, from the football pitch to the recording studio, the series captures the heartbeat of a city that continues to inspire generations around the world.