PBS Documentary Series ‘Independent Lens’ Reveals Fall Slate of Films (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned movie enthusiast with a penchant for documentaries that delve into the heart of societal issues, I am thrilled about the return of PBS‘ “Independent Lens” this September! The diverse lineup for fall 2024 promises to tackle hot-button topics like race, PTSD among veterans, and the Electoral College. With major streamers seemingly more interested in celebrity gossip or true crime narratives, ITVS remains a beacon of hope for political documentaries that engage with current events.


The popular PBS documentary series “Independent Lens” is coming back for a fresh season starting on the 16th of September. This season’s lineup, which runs from September to November, consists of two full-length documentaries and three short nonfiction films.

In my perspective, these movies delve into a variety of pressing issues such as racial inequality, the struggles faced by veterans battling PTSD, and the intricacies of the Electoral College.

Amidst popular streaming services opting more towards celebrity-based and true-crime narratives instead of political content, ITVS remains one of the rare platforms providing a platform for documentaries focusing on current political issues.

As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I admire ITVS for their commitment to seek out daring, imaginative storytelling that resonates with the American public. Their work encompasses supporting filmmakers, the public media system, and most importantly, audiences – including those often overlooked. Since we’re not bound by financial considerations, our decisions are guided by a mission and a mandate, which is both a tremendous privilege and a significant responsibility.

In the autumn schedule of 2024, the opening movie is Andy Sarjahani’s short film titled “Wild Hogs and Saffron.” This production centers around a wild boar hunt in the Ozarks, which incidentally sparks an unforeseen intimate conversation between Sarjhani, a Iranian-American director, and his old friend Bubba. Their friendship was strained during the years following 9/11 when anti-Middle Eastern sentiments grew stronger.

On September 30th, the documentary titled “One Person, One Vote?” by Maximina Juson will be released. This unbiased film delves into the intricate processes of the Electoral College, a system that is frequently misconstrued when it comes to electing our nation’s president.

New movies on the schedule feature:

Wrapping up the program is Habib Yazdi’s short documentary titled “United States of Comedy,” set to debut on Nov 12th. This film provides a backdrop for rising comedians from various culturally rich American communities, featuring stand-up performances and visuals from their hometowns as well as their families.

To maximize outreach, ITVS’ autumn lineup will be accessible not only through traditional television but also on multiple streaming platforms. These include YouTube channels belonging to PBS, the PBS application, and PBS Passport.

As a movie reviewer, I’m excited to share that Independent Lens is taking significant strides in connecting with the younger and more diverse audience segments. They’re aggressively expanding their streaming platform, placing greater emphasis on the creation and showcasing of digital series and shorts. This shift in focus, as stated by Lois Vossen, the executive producer of Independent Lens, promises an engaging and diverse range of content for us to enjoy!

All ITVS fall docus will be available for streaming on their respective premiere date.

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2024-08-23 20:21