WETA presents District Docs, a showcase of independent, nonfiction films from creators living and working in and around the nation’s capital. At the heart of these stories are unique characters, communities and causes that shape the history and culture of the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region. While these award-winning films are already available to stream on WETA+ and the PBS App, WETA will also be publishing these films on YouTube, providing an opportunity for them to find new audiences. New films will be added on an ongoing basis.
Each film premieres Thursday at 8pm on the WETA PBS YouTube Channel. See below for schedule details.
This curated series is made possible by WETA partnerships with DC/DOX, Filmfest DC and the Community Voice Lab at American University.
Dora Fugh Lee: A Life in Art
A direct descendent of a Chinese imperial family, Dora Fugh Lee would later become a renowned painter and teacher of art in the D.C. area. Today, her works hang in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian’s National Portraits Gallery, and National Museum of Asian Art, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the National Cathedral and the University of Virginia.
Watch Thursday, May 7 at 8pm
51st State
51st State is an award-winning short film that explores the emerging national issue of D.C. statehood from the personal perspective of one of Washington, D.C.’s youngest and most vibrant Gen Z leaders. The film features cameos from Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton and Sen. Raphael Warnock. Directed by Hannah Rosenzweig, produced by Diane Robertson and Liat Z. Rubin and edited by Jessica Congdon. Presented with thanks to DC/Dox.
Thursday, May 14 at 8pm
The Test
A maintenance worker in a Virginia retirement community prepares to take the U.S. citizenship exam in this award-winning short documentary. Presented with thanks to DC/Dox.
Thursday, May 21 at 8pm
The Legacy of Lee’s Flower Shop
The Emmy-nominated story of Lee's Flower and Card Shop, one of D.C.’s oldest Black-owned businesses that has served the district since 1945. Presented with thanks to DC/DOX and Filmfest DC.
Thursday, May 28 at 8pm
A Chocolate Lens
How do you take a picture and tell a whole story? A Chocolate Lens chronicles Steven Cummings’s photographic journey through a disappearing Black Washington. His approach was simple: use the camera lens to find the power amidst the storm. His images are a love letter to Black people across America.
Thursday, June 4 at 8pm
In Her Court
14-year-old basketball prodigy Jaylah King is already attracting Division I attention. As she chases her dreams, Jaylah navigates pressure, sacrifice and family expectations while redefining what it means to be a young female athlete in control of her own future. Presented with thanks to Community Voice Lab at American University.
Thursday, June 11 at 8pm
Kil and the Kids
In Southeast D.C., a mentor named Kil supports kids coping with gun violence in this Emmy-winning short film. When another teen is robbed at gunpoint, Kil helps him process the trauma through art and expression, revealing how showing up can transform pain into resilience. Presented with thanks to Community Voice Lab at American University.
Thursday, June 18 at 8pm
Not in the Public Interest
Set amid Washington D.C.’s shifting political landscape, Not In the Public Interest follows federal employees facing layoffs, policy changes, and uncertainty. Against the fleeting beauty of the city’s cherry blossoms, their stories capture the quiet resilience of everyday people caught in systems beyond their control. Presented with thanks to Community Voice Lab at American University.
Thursday, June 25 at 8pm
Daron
Daron, a young man with a disability, struggles to find work while managing bills and his fear of public transportation. To move forward, he must confront his anxiety and take the first step toward independence, opportunity, and community. Presented with thanks to Community Voice Lab at American University.
Thursday, July 2 at 8pm
We Rock!
We Rock! follows Gracen, a young professional in D.C., as they face stage fright at an adult music retreat for women and non-binary individuals. Over one empowering weekend, Gracen learns drums, forms a band, and performs an original song – discovering courage, joy, and community through Girls Rock! DC’s belief that everyone deserves to rock. Presented with thanks to Community Voice Lab at American University.
Thursday, July 9 at 8pm
La Anatomia de Alma
After fleeing her home country, a young woman finds purpose in helping others like herself through a medical assistance program. As she trains her future healers, her true mission becomes empowering students to rediscover their worth and belonging in a new country. Presented with thanks to Community Voice Lab at American University.
Thursday, July 16 at 8pm
A Refugee’s Recipe
When war breaks out in Syria, Chef Abu Yamen sells his restaurant to rescue his family and resettle in the U.S. There, he opens the first Syrian-owned restaurant in Northern Virginia. Through food and memory, the Emmy Award-winning film Refugee’s Recipe shares his journey of rebuilding life, honoring sacrifice, and finding hope in every dish. Presented with thanks to Community Voice Lab at American University.
Thursday, July 23 at 8pm