Watch the best independent, non-fiction films
throughout the month on Channel 26

Challenge your thinking with WETA's Independent Cuts. This ongoing series of independent, non-fiction films features different movie selections each month.

This month's movies:

• July 5:       The Cool School
• July 6:       Abduction: The Megumi Yokota Story
• July 12:     A Room Nearby
• July 13:     Election Day
• July 19:     The Last Conquistador
• July 20:     The Ballad of Esequiel Hernandez
• July 26:     9 Star Hotel

Unlike stories covered by the mainstream media, these independent films are often intensely subjective and seek to challenge your opinions and perspectives. The filmmakers search for untold stories in unexpected places, and often focus on people who aren't normally seen on television.

While WETA may or may not agree with all of the views of the filmmakers, we feel it's important for public television to provide a forum for different voices and views. Let us know what you think!

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The Cool School

Saturday, July 5 at 1 a.m.

For a decade — 1956 to 1966 — the Ferus Gallery was the catalyst of a nascent modern art scene, grooming idealistic beatniks into competitive artists.
» Go to web site

Abduction: The Megumi Yokota Story

Sunday, July 6 at 11:30 p.m.

This documentary film relates the true story of a 13-year-old Japanese girl kidnapped by North Korean spies in 1977 and her parents' 30-year battle to bring her home.
» Go to web site

A Room Nearby

Saturday, July 12 at 12:30 a.m.

Blending intimate interviews with distinctive animation, this film by animator Paul Fierlinger fives voice to five culturally dissimilar people as they reflect on the unexpected revelations of loneliness.

Election Day

Sunday, July 13 at 11:30 p.m.

This film explores the experience of voters in today's America, combining 12 stories — shot simultaneously on November 2, 2004 — into one.
» Go to web site

The Last Conquistador

Saturday, July 19 at 1 a.m.

El Paso splits along lines of race and class over a monument by renowned sculptor John Houser to the Spanish conquistador Juan de Oñate, aimed at paying tribute to the contributions Hispanic people have made to building the American West.
» Go to web site

The Ballad of Esequiel Hernandez

Sunday, July 20 at 11:30 p.m.

Tommy Lee Jones narrates the story of a young shepherd, mistaken for a drug runner and killed by U.S. Marines patrolling the Texas-Mexico border in 1997.
» Go to web site

9 Star Hotel

Saturday, July 26 at 12 a.m.

This vérité film documents the lives of a group of young Palestinian men working illegally as construction laborers for Israeli contractors in the Israeli city of Modi'in.
» Go to web site

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The WETA Movie

Do you also enjoy classic movies? Check out The WETA Movie series. It's our monthly selection of great classic films, shown each weekend commercial free.