Inside PBS Blog

Focal Point, a new Web project from international affairs documentary series Wide Angle, launched on December 17th, as a showcase for short character- driven international news stories from independent producers.

The series kicks off with  "Saudi Arabia: From Jihad to Rehab," a short from Canadian journalist Nancy Durham   The eight minute piece explores a rehabilitation center that uses art therapy and religious re-education to reform jihad militants, and a slideshow features some of the art created by program participants.

Senior Producer Nina Chaudry hopes to launch two new reports in January, with other shorts to follow as they become available.

 The idea for Focal Point was born when Wide Angle producers realized that many viewers were watching the program strictly on the web (Wide Angle posts video of each episode online after broadcast). They started thinking about the hundreds of quality submissions they typically receive for only ten to twelve television episode slots each year, and realized the Web could be a perfect outlet for showcasing more of this material. 

But Focal Point isn't just a showcase for Wide Angle's overflow.  Many of the shorts will be re-versioned productions of longer pieces, or commissions from independent filmmakers intended specifically for Focal Point.  Chaudry also mentions that she may want to work with some Focal Point filmmakers to turn initial, shortened work into longer pieces to air on Wide Angle.

The bottom line is that Focal Point will cover international news stories that are often overlooked by the American media.  Have you checked out Focal Point yet?  Let me know what you think in the comments section below.

Stay Engaged. Get our blog by email.