Airing weekly on PBS, the five-time Emmy Award-winning series Independent Lens is an independent film festival in your living room. Each week we bring you another original documentary film, each made by one of the best independent filmmakers working today.
This season, Independent Lens returns with 22 independent films that will transport you and challenge you to experience universal human themes from unique perspectives. We will delve into issues emerging from the economic crisis in America, from job loss to wealth disparity; examine the origins of soul food, its importance in African American culture, and its serious health implications; we will examine a military culture in which female soldiers are sexually assaulted at a terrifying rate, and their attackers often left unpunished; we
This season, Independent Lens returns with 22 independent films that will transport you and challenge you to experience universal human themes from unique perspectives. We will delve into issues emerging from the economic crisis in America, from job loss to wealth disparity; examine the origins of soul food, its importance in African American culture, and its serious health implications; we will examine a military culture in which female soldiers are sexually assaulted at a terrifying rate, and their attackers often left unpunished; we
Latest Articles About Independent Lens on PBS
Frederick Wiseman's AT BERKELEY premieres on INDEPENDENT LENS, 1/13
by Tyler Peterson - December 11, 2013
The latest film from legendary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, At Berkeley is a revealing four-hour documentary about the University of California at Berkeley, the oldest and most prestigious member of a ten campus public education system and one of the finest research and teaching facilities in the wo...
by Tyler Peterson - December 11, 2013
The latest film from legendary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, At Berkeley is a revealing four-hour documentary about the University of California at Berkeley, the oldest and most prestigious member of a ten campus public education system and one of the finest research and teaching facilities in the wo...
THE SQUARE, SLOMO, INSIDE MAN Top 2013 IDA Documentary Awards
by Movies News Desk - December 07, 2013
The International Documentary Association (IDA)'s 29th Annual IDA Documentary Awards were held last night, Friday, December 6th at the Director's Guild in Los Angeles. Scroll down for a full list of winners!...
by Movies News Desk - December 07, 2013
The International Documentary Association (IDA)'s 29th Annual IDA Documentary Awards were held last night, Friday, December 6th at the Director's Guild in Los Angeles. Scroll down for a full list of winners!...
JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI Premiers on Independent Lens 12/23
by Sarah Bellet - November 27, 2013
Jiro Dreams of Sushi, directed by David Gelb, is the story of 85-year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world's greatest sushi chef....
by Sarah Bellet - November 27, 2013
Jiro Dreams of Sushi, directed by David Gelb, is the story of 85-year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world's greatest sushi chef....
VIDEO: Sneak Peek - PLAYWRIGHT: FROM PAGE TO STAGE on PBS
by Caryn Robbins - November 12, 2013
A rare and intimate glimpse into the dynamic process of creating and launching new plays, Playwright: From Page to Stage follows two outstanding young playwrights through the writing, development, staging, rehearsal, and public performance of their plays....
by Caryn Robbins - November 12, 2013
A rare and intimate glimpse into the dynamic process of creating and launching new plays, Playwright: From Page to Stage follows two outstanding young playwrights through the writing, development, staging, rehearsal, and public performance of their plays....
PBS Announces Premiere Dates for DOWNTON ABBEY, SHERLOCK & More
by Caryn Robbins - October 23, 2013
PBS announced today its slate of Winter/Spring 2014 programs, including the long-awaited return of MASTERPIECE 'Sherlock, Season 3'...
by Caryn Robbins - October 23, 2013
PBS announced today its slate of Winter/Spring 2014 programs, including the long-awaited return of MASTERPIECE 'Sherlock, Season 3'...
PBS Indies Showcase to Air DON'T STOP BELIEVEIN': EVERYMAN'S JOURNEY & More this Fall
by Tyler Peterson - July 31, 2013
The first-ever PBS INDIES SHOWCASE debuts this fall with four critically acclaimed documentaries from the award-winning series POV and INDEPENDENT LENS. Scheduled over four consecutive Monday nights from September 30 through October 21, the PBS INDIES SHOWCASEspotlights the work of independent filmm...
by Tyler Peterson - July 31, 2013
The first-ever PBS INDIES SHOWCASE debuts this fall with four critically acclaimed documentaries from the award-winning series POV and INDEPENDENT LENS. Scheduled over four consecutive Monday nights from September 30 through October 21, the PBS INDIES SHOWCASEspotlights the work of independent filmm...
THIRTEEN to Premiere REAL MAD MEN & WOMEN OF MADISON AVENUE, 7/1
by Caryn Robbins - June 21, 2013
Inspired by AMC's Mad Men, The Real Mad Men and Women of Madison Avenue chronicles the growth of the advertising industry from the 1950s through today, looking at the real men and women who created some of the most ground-breaking advertising campaigns and slogans and whose work changed the landscap...
by Caryn Robbins - June 21, 2013
Inspired by AMC's Mad Men, The Real Mad Men and Women of Madison Avenue chronicles the growth of the advertising industry from the 1950s through today, looking at the real men and women who created some of the most ground-breaking advertising campaigns and slogans and whose work changed the landscap...
Broadway's Seth Numrich Joins Kim Cattrall in the Old Vic's SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH, Beg. Tonight
by BWW News Desk - June 12, 2013
Seth Numrich, star of Broadway's War Horse and Golden Boy, will join Kim Cattrall in the Old Vic's production of Tennessee Williams' Sweet Bird of Youth, directed by Marianne Elliott (War Horse). The production is set to begin tonight, June 12....
by BWW News Desk - June 12, 2013
Seth Numrich, star of Broadway's War Horse and Golden Boy, will join Kim Cattrall in the Old Vic's production of Tennessee Williams' Sweet Bird of Youth, directed by Marianne Elliott (War Horse). The production is set to begin tonight, June 12....
Streisand, New Hamlisch Doc & More Get PBS Fall Dates
by Caryn Robbins - May 09, 2013
PBS announced today a fall primetime line-up featuring a strong roster of wide-ranging programs. Among the exciting highlights will be "Barbra Streisand: Back to Brooklyn" in which the legendary Barbra Streisand makes a historic homecoming back to Brooklyn at the new Barclays Center arena...
by Caryn Robbins - May 09, 2013
PBS announced today a fall primetime line-up featuring a strong roster of wide-ranging programs. Among the exciting highlights will be "Barbra Streisand: Back to Brooklyn" in which the legendary Barbra Streisand makes a historic homecoming back to Brooklyn at the new Barclays Center arena...
PBS Unveils Diverse Summer Line-Up of Programming
by Caryn Robbins - May 02, 2013
PBS today unveiled a summer line-up that features a diverse array of new programming. A summer of intrigue presents new episodes of MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! productions....
by Caryn Robbins - May 02, 2013
PBS today unveiled a summer line-up that features a diverse array of new programming. A summer of intrigue presents new episodes of MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! productions....
PBS Airs WONDER WOMEN! THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICAN SUPERHEROINES Tonight
by TV News Desk - April 15, 2013
WONDER WOMEN! THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICAN SUPERHEROINES traces the fascinating evolution and legacy of Wonder Woman. From the birth of the comic book superheroine in the 1940s to the blockbusters of today...
by TV News Desk - April 15, 2013
WONDER WOMEN! THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICAN SUPERHEROINES traces the fascinating evolution and legacy of Wonder Woman. From the birth of the comic book superheroine in the 1940s to the blockbusters of today...
Broadway's Seth Numrich Joins Kim Cattrall in the Old Vic's SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH, June 2013
by BWW News Desk - April 11, 2013
According to the Daily Mail, Seth Numrich, star of Broadway's War Horse and Golden Boy, will join Kim Cattrall in the Old Vic's production of Tennessee Williams' Sweet Bird of Youth, directed by Marianne Elliott (War Horse). The production is set to begin June 12....
by BWW News Desk - April 11, 2013
According to the Daily Mail, Seth Numrich, star of Broadway's War Horse and Golden Boy, will join Kim Cattrall in the Old Vic's production of Tennessee Williams' Sweet Bird of Youth, directed by Marianne Elliott (War Horse). The production is set to begin June 12....
PBS to Air WONDER WOMEN! THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICAN SUPERHEROINES, 4/15
by Caryn Robbins - March 05, 2013
WONDER WOMEN! THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICAN SUPERHEROINES traces the fascinating evolution and legacy of Wonder Woman. From the birth of the comic book superheroine in the 1940s to the blockbusters of today...
by Caryn Robbins - March 05, 2013
WONDER WOMEN! THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICAN SUPERHEROINES traces the fascinating evolution and legacy of Wonder Woman. From the birth of the comic book superheroine in the 1940s to the blockbusters of today...
PBS Offers 2nd Annual Online Film Festival, Beginning Today
by TV News Desk - March 04, 2013
Today at the Television Critics Association meeting, PBS reaffirmed its commitment to independent film by announcing that it will offer its second annual Online Film Festival, featuring short form films beginning today, March 4, and will offer a multi-platform Independent Film Showcase this fall. Bo...
by TV News Desk - March 04, 2013
Today at the Television Critics Association meeting, PBS reaffirmed its commitment to independent film by announcing that it will offer its second annual Online Film Festival, featuring short form films beginning today, March 4, and will offer a multi-platform Independent Film Showcase this fall. Bo...
Independent Lens to Present Black History Month Programming on PBS
by Tyler Peterson - February 06, 2013
In celebration of Black History Month, Independent Lens, the Emmy Award-winning PBS documentary series, today announced programming available during the month of February that highlights the African American experience. The films feature unsung heroes of the civil rights era, African Americans who h...
by Tyler Peterson - February 06, 2013
In celebration of Black History Month, Independent Lens, the Emmy Award-winning PBS documentary series, today announced programming available during the month of February that highlights the African American experience. The films feature unsung heroes of the civil rights era, African Americans who h...
PBS Announces Black History Month Special Programming
by Caryn Robbins - January 28, 2013
In celebration of Black History Month and as part of its year-round commitment to diverse programming, PBS today announced an on-air lineup commemorating the contributions of African Americans in music, dance, television and civil rights, providing an in-depth look at key figures and events that sh...
by Caryn Robbins - January 28, 2013
In celebration of Black History Month and as part of its year-round commitment to diverse programming, PBS today announced an on-air lineup commemorating the contributions of African Americans in music, dance, television and civil rights, providing an in-depth look at key figures and events that sh...
PBS Airs THE REVISIONAIRIES Tonight
by TV News Desk - January 28, 2013
Premiering tonight, January 28, 2013, The Revisionaries goes inside the Texas State Board of Education -- where tumultuous battles are fought over how science, history and other core subjects are taught....
by TV News Desk - January 28, 2013
Premiering tonight, January 28, 2013, The Revisionaries goes inside the Texas State Board of Education -- where tumultuous battles are fought over how science, history and other core subjects are taught....
PBS to Offer 2nd Annual Online Film Festival, Beginning 3/4
by Caryn Robbins - January 14, 2013
Today at the Television Critics Association meeting,PBS reaffirmed its commitment to independent film by announcing that it will offer its second annual Online Film Festival,featuring short form films beginning Monday, March 4, and will offer a multi-platform Independent Film Showcase this fall....
by Caryn Robbins - January 14, 2013
Today at the Television Critics Association meeting,PBS reaffirmed its commitment to independent film by announcing that it will offer its second annual Online Film Festival,featuring short form films beginning Monday, March 4, and will offer a multi-platform Independent Film Showcase this fall....
Documentary A SISTER'S CALL Brings Mental Illness Into Spotlight
by Caryn Robbins - January 08, 2013
A SISTER'S CALL, the award-winning documentary brilliantly directed by Rebecca Schaper and Kyle Tekiela , continues garnering prizes at film festivals around the country....
by Caryn Robbins - January 08, 2013
A SISTER'S CALL, the award-winning documentary brilliantly directed by Rebecca Schaper and Kyle Tekiela , continues garnering prizes at film festivals around the country....
PBS to Air THE REVISIONAIRIES, 1/28
by Caryn Robbins - January 07, 2013
Premiering on January 28, 2013, The Revisionaries goes inside the Texas State Board of Education -- where tumultuous battles are fought over how science, history and other core subjects are taught....
by Caryn Robbins - January 07, 2013
Premiering on January 28, 2013, The Revisionaries goes inside the Texas State Board of Education -- where tumultuous battles are fought over how science, history and other core subjects are taught....
BEAUTY IS EMBARRASSING to Showcase Artist Wayne White on PBS, 1/21
by Tyler Peterson - December 20, 2012
Part biography, part live performance, Beauty Is Embarrassing is a funny, irreverent, joyful and inspiring portrait of Wayne White, a one-of-a-kind visual artist. As a designer, painter, puppeteer, sculptor, and musician, he has created some of the most arresting and iconic images in pop culture.The...
by Tyler Peterson - December 20, 2012
Part biography, part live performance, Beauty Is Embarrassing is a funny, irreverent, joyful and inspiring portrait of Wayne White, a one-of-a-kind visual artist. As a designer, painter, puppeteer, sculptor, and musician, he has created some of the most arresting and iconic images in pop culture.The...
DOWNTON ABBEY Season 3 Among PBS's Winter/Spring 2013 Lineup
by Caryn Robbins - December 06, 2012
The Crawley family's fate hangs in the balance when MASTERPIECE CLASSIC "Downton Abbey, Season 3" returns in January....
by Caryn Robbins - December 06, 2012
The Crawley family's fate hangs in the balance when MASTERPIECE CLASSIC "Downton Abbey, Season 3" returns in January....
STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek - PBS Airs AS GOES JANESVILLE Tonight, 10/8
by TV News Desk - October 08, 2012
A co-production of 371 Productions (Almost Home), Kartemquin Films (Hoop Dreams), and the Independent Television Service (ITVS), AS GOES JANESVILLE will premiere on the PBS series Independent Lens tonight, October 8, 2012 at 10PM (check local listings). The regular fall season begins on Monday, Octo...
by TV News Desk - October 08, 2012
A co-production of 371 Productions (Almost Home), Kartemquin Films (Hoop Dreams), and the Independent Television Service (ITVS), AS GOES JANESVILLE will premiere on the PBS series Independent Lens tonight, October 8, 2012 at 10PM (check local listings). The regular fall season begins on Monday, Octo...
VIDEO: Sneak Peek - Stanley Tucci to Host PBS's INDEPENDENT LENS
by Caryn Robbins - September 17, 2012
INDEPENDENT LENS announced today that acclaimed actor and filmmaker Stanley Tucci will host the upcoming season of INDEPENDENT LENS which moves to Mondays at 10 PM on PBS this fall. Get a first look below!...
by Caryn Robbins - September 17, 2012
INDEPENDENT LENS announced today that acclaimed actor and filmmaker Stanley Tucci will host the upcoming season of INDEPENDENT LENS which moves to Mondays at 10 PM on PBS this fall. Get a first look below!...
2012 Creative Arts Emmy Award Winners Announced - 2012 Tony Awards, SMASH, MEMPHIS & More!
by BWW Special Coverage - September 16, 2012
Amongst the highlights for theatre fans, the 65th Annual Tony Awards picked up three Emmys - for Outstanding Special Class Program, Art Direction and Outstanding Song (It's Not Just for Gays Anymore' - written by Adam Schlesinger & David Javerbaum and performed by Neil Patrick Harris). Smash cho...
by BWW Special Coverage - September 16, 2012
Amongst the highlights for theatre fans, the 65th Annual Tony Awards picked up three Emmys - for Outstanding Special Class Program, Art Direction and Outstanding Song (It's Not Just for Gays Anymore' - written by Adam Schlesinger & David Javerbaum and performed by Neil Patrick Harris). Smash cho...
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