“PBS Short Docs” Debuts on PBS Voices, a YouTube Channel Exploring the Human Experience
ARLINGTON, VA; May 4, 2021 – PBS Digital Studios is launching “PBS Short Docs,” a curated collection of short documentaries to showcase the work of independent and diverse filmmakers on PBS Voices, a documentary-focused YouTube channel. The “PBS Short Docs'' playlist is currently available this week with OUT OF THE DARK, a three-part project from the Well Beings health campaign by WETA that addresses important topics related to Mental Health Awareness Month. This summer, five short films from INDEPENDENT LENS, including LGBTQIA Pride Month offerings, will also be distributed on the “PBS Short Docs'' playlist.
“The PBS Short Docs collection is designed to elevate independent films from our production partners and stations and help audiences discover PBS content they otherwise they may not have found on their own,” said Brandon Arolfo, Head of PBS Digital Studios. “This new addition aligns perfectly with PBS Voices because it's our organization’s documentary hub on YouTube and each program reflects the interests and issues Americans face today, especially younger and diverse viewers.”
The PBS Short Docs collection on PBS Voices will release new films from WETA each week in the month of May and new films from INDEPENDENT LENS every other week in June. The following films are a part of the collection:
OUT OF THE DARK “An Olympic Athlete Takes On Depression”
Mental Health Awareness Month
Currently Available
Producer: WETA-TV (Washington, D.C. PBS affiliate)/Redglass Pictures
Description: Featuring the personal story of Olympic shot putter Raven Saunders, this OUT OF THE DARK film explores the intensity of Raven’s 2016 Olympic experience, her childhood trauma, and the pitfalls of celebrity that challenged her mental health. After receiving care for depression, Raven spoke out about her struggles and became a leading advocate for mental health dialogue among athletes.
OUT OF THE DARK “I Attempted Suicide. What Came Next Is Saving Lives (w.t.)”
Mental Health Awareness Month
Premieres: Monday, May 10
Producer: WETA-TV (Washington, D.C. PBS affiliate)/Redglass Pictures
Description: In this episode of OUT OF THE DARK, mental health activist Hannah Lucas shares the story of her chronic illness, struggles with anxiety and depression, and suicidal ideation, leading her to develop the notOK app with her brother. The app, which now has more than 100,000 users, provides users a digital panic button to let trusted contacts know they’re “not ok.”
OUT OF THE DARK “My Suicide Note: One Poet’s Journey Through Depression (w.t.)”
Mental Health Awareness Month
Premieres: Monday, May 17
Producer: WETA-TV (Washington, D.C. PBS affiliate)/Redglass Pictures
Description: Poet AKeem Rollins, known for his viral slam poetry piece “Suicide Note,” shares the story behind the poem — kicked out of his home at 14 after coming out to his mother, he faced bullying, homelessness and depression. After receiving emergency mental health care, he finished writing “Suicide Note” with the speaker’s decision to live and has since become a vocal mental health activist.
The Dancing Man of LA
Premieres: Monday, May 24
Producer/Filmmakers: INDEPENDENT LENS/Jennifer Fodor (Director/Producer) and Scott Sheppard (Director/Producer)
Description: Howard Mordoh, 69, is a retired clinical laboratory scientist, a southern California native, and possibly the world’s biggest concert enthusiast. Self-described as a “professional audience,” Howard has been a notorious fixture of the Los Angeles music scene for decades, attending five to eight concerts per week since the 1970s and always dancing to his fullest. Easily recognizable thanks to his long white hair and spirited dance style, Howard’s love of live concerts spans genres and venues, just as long as he can keep dancing. With the cancellation of live concerts in 2020 due to COVID-19, Howard has had to get more and more creative in order to keep dancing. The Dancing Man inhabits Howard’s unique lifestyle and passion for concerts and explores the trauma of suddenly losing not only life’s purpose but the essential human connection.
Senior Prom
LGBTQIA Pride Month
Premieres: Tuesday, June 1
Producer/Filmmakers: INDEPENDENT LENS/Luisa Conlon (Director/Producer) and Jessica Chermayeff (Producer)
Description: For so many American high schoolers, prom is a rite of passage in all its high-expectation, love-filled, well-coiffed, abundantly photographed glory. But for LGBTQ generations that grew up in the decades before the Stonewall Riots, prom was emblematic of the exclusion and fear of living in a world they could not experience as their authentic selves. At Triangle Square, a haven for LGBTQ retirees in Hollywood, California, the idea of a “senior” prom has taken on an entirely new meaning. Tapping into their teenage selves, these liberated seniors ready themselves for the hottest event on the Triangle Square social calendar, reflecting back on who they were and how far they’ve come makes their prom night all the sweeter.
When I'm Her
LGBTQIA Pride Month
Premieres: Monday, June 21
Producer: INDEPENDENT LENS/Emily Schuman (Producer/Director)
Description: Michael Cusumano was a luminary figure at the American Ballet Theatre in New York City and had a stellar career ahead of him, but trauma from his past prevented him from fully realizing his artistic and professional potential. Over time, he found refuge and liberation by assuming an alter ego: a sparkly turban-wearing, Russian ballet instructor named Madame Olga. By slipping into this ostentatious character, Michael discovers a way to both embrace himself as an artist and reconcile his past, giving aspiring dancers a place to flourish and being “the mentor” he never had for himself.
For more information on PBS Digital Studios and PBS Voices, visit PBS.org and the PBS YouTube Channel. Viewers are also encouraged to engage in online conversation by tagging @PBS and using #PBSShortDocs and #PBSVoices on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About PBS Voices
PBS Voices is a documentary-themed YouTube channel by PBS Digital Studios, which brings together curated content from PBS member stations and independent filmmakers across the country to fulfill viewers’ curious minds. Each program on PBS Voices features an array of fascinating, relatable stories celebrating shared human experiences.
About PBS Digital Studios
PBS Digital Studios produces original, digital programming for YouTube and Facebook Watch, designed to engage, enlighten, and entertain online audiences. The PBS Digital Studios network has more than 27 million subscribers, generating an average of 50 million views a month and has acquired more than three billion lifetime views. Currently, the Studio has 20 original series streaming online, including eight series from PBS member stations. Series include the Webby Award-winning IT’S OKAY TO BE SMARTand CRASH COURSE, as well as popular series such as TWO CENTS, EONS and PBS SPACE TIME.
About PBS
PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 120 million people through television and 26 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature, and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Communications on Twitter.