Independent Lens, the award-winning PBS series, is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the acquisition of four powerful documentaries that delve into the complexities of contemporary America.

The four films, which will be featured in the 28th season of Independent Lens this fall, include Jane Elliott Against the World, Seeds, My Omaha, and The Other Side of Memory. These documentaries showcase the personal stakes behind the issues shaping communities across the country, shedding light on the complexities of racism, identity, and family.

“Independent Lens continues to champion filmmakers whose work challenges, inspires, and expands our understanding of contemporary America,” comments Lois Vossen, a founding executive producer of the series. “We are thrilled to welcome these films into the Independent Lens family. Whether telling deeply personal stories or examining issues that shape our national conversation, each of these films exemplifies the kind of storytelling at the core of our series.”

Jane Elliott Against the World, directed by Judd Ehrlich, has garnered significant attention for its thought-provoking portrayal of the impact of racism on individuals and communities. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and went on to win the Best Documentary award at the Bentonville Film Festival in Arkansas, as well as audience awards at the Boulder International Film Festival, Cleveland International Film Festival, and Sonoma International Film Festival in Northern California.

Seeds, directed by Brittany Shyne, has earned a place on the Oscar shortlist for the 98th Academy Awards and has won numerous prizes, including the Grand Jury Prize for U.S. Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival. This documentary sheds light on the everyday struggles and triumphs of Black generational farmers in the South who work tirelessly to preserve their families’ legacies.

In The Other Side of Memory, directed by Nick Capezzera, a Korean adoptee embarks on a personal journey to uncover the truth behind his abandonment and discover his biological parents. This poignant and thought-provoking film explores the complexities of identity, family, and belonging.

My Omaha, directed by Nick Beaulieu, is a deeply personal documentary that explores the complex relationship between a filmmaker and his terminally ill father, a Trump supporter, against the backdrop of Omaha’s response to the racial justice movement. This film has been nominated for the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature at Slamdance.

Independent Lens films have been nominated for 10 Academy Awards and have earned dozens of Emmys and Emmy nominations. Recent IL acquisitions include Ghost in the Machine, directed by Valerie Veatch.

The four documentaries announced by Independent Lens are a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of exploring complex issues through the lens of personal experience. These films will undoubtedly resonate with audiences and spark meaningful conversations about the issues that shape our world.