The documentary Our Man in Tehran, co-written by best-selling author and Trent University Durham history professor Dr. Robert Wright cleaned up at the 2015 Canadian Screen Awards, taking home five awards, including Best Documentary Program and Best Direction in a Documentary Program.

The awards were handed out by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television on February 24 in Toronto.

“This is a remarkable accomplishment for Robert Wright and for Trent! It sets a very high standard for the rest of us in History and the Humanities,” said Dr. David Sheinin, a history professor at Trent University. “Robert set the academic world on fire with a path-breaking and prize-winning book documenting one of Canada's outstanding international events, then wrote the screenplay for a gripping documentary film on the same topic (based on his book), which has justifiably won the lion's share of Canadian Screen Awards in its category. Wow!”

In addition to winning Best Documentary Program and Best Direction in a Documentary Program, Our Man in Tehran also won Best Photography in a Documentary Program or Factual Series, Best Picture Editing in a Documentary Program or Series, and Best Sound in a Documentary, Factual or Lifestyle Program or Series.

Our Man in Tehran describes how Ambassador Ken Taylor along with his wife Pat, and diplomatic counterparts, John and Zena Sheardown, arranged for the safe harbour and ultimate escape for six Americans who narrowly avoided the hostage taking.  The film demonstrates how Ken played a key role in the high-risk, international operation. Airport stakeouts and falsified passports are just some of the elements of this incredible story.

Prior to the production of the film, Dr. Wright worked closely with Mr. Taylor on a historical book that accurately chronicled the events in Iran also entitled, Our Man in Tehran. Their work included endless phone calls and reviews of conversations from original dispatches. The book was produced in time for the thirtieth anniversary of the crisis.

Dr. Wright, a professor of History at Trent University Oshawa, has built his career by challenging the way we think about Canadian history, foreign policy and sovereignty issues. His books include three national bestsellers - The Night Canada Stood Still, Our Man in Tehran, and Three Nights in Havana.

Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2015.