When people approach me about my films it is usually to tell me how much they hate them.

Shot on digital video with non-professional actors who virtually lived out the events of the film its compelling sense of reality brought Winterbottom numerous awards including a Golden Bear and a BAFTA for best film not in the English language. The film is based on the true story of a British reporter Michael Nicholson who spirited a young orphan girl out of the war zone to safety in Britain. Written by Winterbottom and Laurence Coriat the film was shot a few weeks at a time over a five-year period from 2007-2012 to reflect the protagonist's time in prison and achieve an authentic aging process.

He began his career working in British television before moving into features. Winterbottom often works with the same actors; many faces can be seen in several of his films including Shirley Henderson Paul Popplewell John Simm Steve Coogan Raymond Waring and Kieran O' Brien.