About Independent Lens

If I were heading for a desert island with only one complete set of DVDs, I’d be taking Independent Lens. There’s no more authentic way to stay in touch with real people and life as it is. I never feel alone in the world when I'm watching an episode, even if I’m by myself. —Bill Moyers

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 introduce a new documentary film from among the best independent filmmakers working today.

This season, Independent Lens returns with 23 independent films that will transport you and challenge you to experience universal human themes from unique perspectives. Meet an utterly modern family consisting of a sperm donor and the children who meet him and each other for the first time; dive into the National Film Registry, the vault in the Library of Congress where strange and iconic American films are preserved for future generations; get acquainted with a spirited deaf teenager who discovers the lyrical ballet that is sign-language slam poetry; and discover the inspiring story of the big man behind a little red puppet who has captured the hearts of children and adults worldwide. These and so many more will challenge, delight, and enthrall you from October to June.

“In our first 10 years, Independent Lens has brought more than 275 films to PBS,” said Lois Vossen, Independent Lens series producer. “The stories and storytellers we continue to champion make the series the most diverse on television. We feature films that look at the most important issues of our time, as well as audience favorites from film festivals across the country. Our goal is to help viewers better understand today’s complex world by taking them to places they wouldn’t otherwise see, and encounter people they wouldn’t otherwise meet.”

This season, Independent Lens moves to Thursday nights on most PBS member stations. Check your local listings, and don’t miss an episode!

Visit the TV Schedule to learn more about the season lineup >>

Read about awards and accolades >>