PBS documentary series ‘Independent Lens’ reveals fall slate of films

Rodrigo Reyes’ “Sansón and Me” and Bernardo Ruiz’s “El Equipo” are among PBS’ award-winning documentaries on the Independent Lens’s Fall Documentary List. The portfolio of documentaries will feature the stories of marginalized communities and cover topical issues such as immigration, incarceration, human rights, the Muslim experience in America and religious freedom, ITVS announced Tuesday.

Winner of Best Picture at Sheffield DocFest 2022, Reyes’ Sansón and Me will open Independent Lens’ fall launch on September 19. The documentary aims to spotlight the true story of a young immigrant (Sansón)’s journey from an orphaned Mexican child to prison. While Sansón is in prison and barred from giving interviews, his family steps in to share his story.

“El Equipo” by Ruiz follows, which premieres on October 9th. The documentary revolves around the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated team that investigated Argentina’s “los desaparecidos,” also known as “the disappeared,” a term for those who went missing during the country’s 1976-1983 military dictatorship.

David Washburn’s “Three Chaplains” tells the stories of Rafael Lantigua, Khallid Shabazz and Saleha Jabeen, three military chaplains who have endured the challenges and dangers that come with being the public face of Islam for the US military. “Three Chaplains” premieres on November 6th.

Closing the fall list on November 13 is Li Lu’s A Town Called Victoria, a three-part documentary that follows the stories of three Muslim Americans, Abe Ajrami, Omar Rachid and Dr. Shahid Hashmi lit. Following the fire at their mosque in January 2017, the trio reckon with the travesty while also reflecting on the paths they took to be accepted as Muslim Americans in a small, conservative Christian US town

“This fall, Independent Lens partners with trusted co-producers, including VOCES and Reel South, to take an unflinching look at marginalized communities across America who meet hate and adversity with love and resilience,” said executive producer Lois Vossen. “Public media has gained the trust of viewers who are looking for documentaries that offer a multi-layered exploration of systemic issues, spark conversations and foster a deeper understanding of what is happening in our communities.”