Indie Films

Local, USA

Culled from public television stations and independent producers from across the country, LOCAL, USA is a half-hour series featuring fascinating stories of diverse people, curated around a single theme.

American Problems, Trans Solutions

25m 17s

In the U.S., Black trans people are among the most marginalized of marginalized Americans.  Award-winning journalist Imara Jones shares the stories of trans leaders Kayla Gore, Breonna McCree, and Oluchi Omeoga who, despite the record-breaking number of anti-trans bills passed in 2023, are addressing critical issues surrounding economic empowerment and human dignity with heart and vision.

Episodes

  • American Problems, Trans Solutions: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    American Problems, Trans Solutions

    S8 E11 - 25m 17s

    In the U.S., Black trans people are among the most marginalized of marginalized Americans.  Award-winning journalist Imara Jones shares the stories of trans leaders Kayla Gore, Breonna McCree, and Oluchi Omeoga who, despite the record-breaking number of anti-trans bills passed in 2023, are addressing critical issues surrounding economic empowerment and human dignity with heart and vision.

  • Public Enemies, Private Friends: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Public Enemies, Private Friends

    S8 E10 - 1h 28m

    On December 30, 1994, a man entered two abortion clinics in Brookline, MA. By day's end, two women were dead, five wounded, and a community was left mourning. Thus began a clandestine dialogue between leaders of the pro-choice and pro-life movements and the beginning of the most unlikely friendship.

  • Chinatown Auxiliary: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Chinatown Auxiliary

    S8 E9 - 27m 4s

    For decades, Chinese residents have patrolled Manhattan's Chinatown as NYPD volunteer police to protect the few blocks they call home while finding belonging in a foreign, unwelcoming country. From the savage tribulation in the '70s to “Asian Hate” during the pandemic, these stories remind us of the hope the U.S. represented to the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses yearning to belong.

  • Fire Tender: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Fire Tender

    S8 E7 - 27m 41s

    Yurok people have been putting fire on the land since time immemorial...but this practice has been disrupted by California settlers. Catastrophic fires in the West, however, has policymakers rethinking their commitment to fire suppression. FIRE TENDER shares the work of Margo Robbins, a Yurok knowledge keeper, seeking to return practices to Yurok territory, and to restore the land and its people.

  • Minnesota's Alt-Meat Revolution: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Minnesota's Alt-Meat Revolution

    S8 E6 - 25m 23s

    As the demand for plant-based alternatives to meat grows, so does the demand for new methods of farming and food production. In Dawson, MN, “alt-meat” is not new - soybean processing dates back to the '50s. Now, PURIS, one of the largest manufacturers of pea protein, has moved in to revolutionize the agricultural system. What impact will it have on the town's residents and surrounding communities?

  • HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition

    S8 E5 - 16m 57s

    HBCU Week: TRADITION AND COMPETITION dives into HBCU football culture. Witness the rivalry of Hampton & Howard, a testament to tradition and spirit, and appreciate the intensity of an NC A&T vs. NC Central game, a match steeped in proximity and pride. The episode showcases the blend of camaraderie and competition that defines HBCU sports, highlighting their impact on African American communities.

  • HBCU Week: Beyond the Field: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    HBCU Week: Beyond the Field

    S8 E4 - 26m 3s

    HBCU Week: BEYOND THE FIELD takes you inside the heart of HBCUs. Experience the CIAA in Maryland, a cornerstone of Black athletics history, and feel the electrifying atmosphere of Louisiana's Bayou Classic - an annual showdown between Grambling State and Southern University. The episode offers a unique look beyond sports, highlighting the culture, history, and community spirit that define HBCUs.

  • FIRSTHAND: Segregation: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    FIRSTHAND: Segregation

    S8 E3 - 24m 33s

    In Chicago, segregation has a profound impact. From disparities in housing, education and healthcare to economic inequality, FIRSTHAND: SEGREGATION illustrates the high cost of division, not just in dollars, but in lives lost and unrealized potential. Through stories, witness the power of individuals to effect positive change as residents strive for a more integrated and equitable community.

  • Moving soon to WETA Passport

    In the Bubble with Jaime: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    In the Bubble with Jaime

    S8 E2 - 39m 23s

    In South Carolina, African American candidate Jaime Harrison faces incumbent Lindsey Graham for U.S. Senate. As COVID-19 disrupts, Harrison confronts not only the pandemic but deep-rooted racial prejudice. But, in a state with a significant African American population, his campaign against Graham becomes a symbol of hope in a time of crisis, intertwining politics, and race and health challenges.

Extras + Features

  • HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition | Trailer: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition | Trailer

    S8 E5 - 54s

    HBCU Week: TRADITION AND COMPETITION dives into HBCU football culture. Witness the rivalry of Hampton & Howard, a testament to tradition and spirit, and appreciate the intensity of an NC A&T vs. NC Central game, a match steeped in proximity and pride. The episode showcases the blend of camaraderie and competition that defines HBCU sports, highlighting their impact on African American communities.

  • HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition | Howard vs. Hampton: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition | Howard vs. Hampton

    S8 E5 - 1m 2s

    Who is the real HU? Students, staff and alumni talk about Howard University and Hampton University and their support for their respective school and all of the HBCUs. The two universities - one in Washington, D.C. and the other in Hampton, Virginia - share academic, athletic and Black excellence, and boasts alumni that are making an impactful presence in the country.

  • HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition | Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition | Preview

    S8 E5 - 30s

    HBCU Week: TRADITION AND COMPETITION dives into HBCU football culture. Witness the rivalry of Hampton & Howard, a testament to tradition and spirit, and appreciate the intensity of an NC A&T vs. NC Central game, a match steeped in proximity and pride. The episode showcases the blend of camaraderie and competition that defines HBCU sports, highlighting their impact on African American communities.

  • HBCU Week: Beyond the Field | Grambling State and Southern: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    HBCU Week: Beyond the Field | Grambling State and Southern

    S8 E4 - 41s

    Rick Gallot and Rani Whitfield examine American history and Black educators through their respective HBCUs, Grambing State University and Southern University. The Louisiana-based educational institutions share many things including alumni who are family and friends as Eric Dooley and Issac Greggs know all too well.

  • HBCU Week: Beyond the Field | Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    HBCU Week: Beyond the Field | Preview

    S8 E4 - 30s

    HBCU Week: BEYOND THE FIELD takes you inside the heart of HBCUs. Experience the CIAA in Maryland, a cornerstone of Black athletics history, and feel the electrifying atmosphere of Louisiana's Bayou Classic - an annual showdown between Grambling State and Southern University. The episode offers a unique look beyond sports, highlighting the culture, history, and community spirit that define HBCUs.

  • HBCU Week: Beyond the Field | Trailer: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    HBCU Week: Beyond the Field | Trailer

    S8 E4 - 1m 16s

    HBCU Week: BEYOND THE FIELD takes you inside the heart of HBCUs. Experience the CIAA in Maryland, a cornerstone of Black athletics history, and feel the electrifying atmosphere of Louisiana's Bayou Classic - an annual showdown between Grambling State and Southern University. The episode offers a unique look beyond sports, highlighting the culture, history, and community spirit that define HBCUs.

  • HBCU Week: Beyond the Field | Title IX: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    HBCU Week: Beyond the Field | Title IX

    S8 E4 - 35s

    The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is more than just athletics. And HBCUs are more than just academics. Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. president of Virginia State University, talks about how the conference is a celebration and how, in 2022, they shined a light on Black women in sports, including CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams, during the 50th anniversary of Title IX.

  • HBCU Week: Beyond the Field | The CIAA: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    HBCU Week: Beyond the Field | The CIAA

    S8 E4 - 1m 11s

    Jacqie McWilliams, Commissioner for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), along with Hakim J. Lucas, Brandon Scott and Wes Moore talk about what the CIAA is and its connection to Baltimore, Maryland. They also share what the athletic conference - in this case, the men's and women's basketball tournament - represents for HBCU students and alumni and Black Americans.

  • FIRSTHAND: Segregation | Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    FIRSTHAND: Segregation | Preview

    S8 E3 - 30s

    In Chicago, segregation has a profound impact. From disparities in housing, education and healthcare to economic inequality, FIRSTHAND: SEGREGATION illustrates the high cost of division, not just in dollars, but in lives lost and unrealized potential. Through stories, witness the power of individuals to effect positive change as residents strive for a more integrated and equitable community.

  • FIRSTHAND: Segregation | Collaborative Music Without Genre: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    FIRSTHAND: Segregation | Collaborative Music Without Genre

    S8 E3 - 1m 14s

    In the recording studio, singer-songwriter Jason Ivy talks to his peers about his music that is without genre. The musician opens up about his lyrics and the topic of collaboration within Chicago amongst artists in the city, diving into how segregation drives differing music creations whether you're in the West Side, North Side or South Side.

  • FIRSTHAND: Segregation | Trailer: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    FIRSTHAND: Segregation | Trailer

    S8 E3 - 1m 10s

    In Chicago, segregation has a profound impact. From disparities in housing, education and healthcare to economic inequality, FIRSTHAND: SEGREGATION illustrates the high cost of division, not just in dollars, but in lives lost and unrealized potential. Through stories, witness the power of individuals to effect positive change as residents strive for a more integrated and equitable community.

  • FIRSTHAND: Segregation | A Black Business in Lincoln Park: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    FIRSTHAND: Segregation | A Black Business in Lincoln Park

    S8 E3 - 1m 31s

    Rashad Bailey, the owner of Dinner and a Movie, is feeling the heat, not from the kitchen, but the neighborhood of Lincoln Park. Although the owner dealt with complaints - noise and fighting - from around the majority white community about his Black business, Bailey has had to respond to the police and the city, and been restricted in how to run his restaurant his own way.

Schedule

  • Image
    Local, USA: TVSS: Iconic

    Local, USA

    The Power of a Pardon

    Monday
    Jul 15

    30 Minutes

    Five individuals build a life after prison thanks to the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, and explain how life-altering a pardon and criminal justice reform can be.
  • Image
    Local, USA: TVSS: Iconic

    Local, USA

    The Power of a Pardon

    Tuesday
    Jul 16

    30 Minutes

    Five individuals build a life after prison thanks to the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, and explain how life-altering a pardon and criminal justice reform can be.
  • Image
    Local, USA: TVSS: Iconic

    Local, USA

    The Power of a Pardon

    Tuesday
    Jul 16

    30 Minutes

    Five individuals build a life after prison thanks to the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, and explain how life-altering a pardon and criminal justice reform can be.
  • Image
    Local, USA: TVSS: Iconic

    Local, USA

    The Power of a Pardon

    Friday
    Jul 19

    30 Minutes

    Five individuals build a life after prison thanks to the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, and explain how life-altering a pardon and criminal justice reform can be.
  • Image
    Local, USA: TVSS: Iconic

    Local, USA

    The Power of a Pardon

    Friday
    Jul 19

    30 Minutes

    Five individuals build a life after prison thanks to the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, and explain how life-altering a pardon and criminal justice reform can be.
  • Image
    Local, USA: TVSS: Iconic

    Local, USA

    The Power of a Pardon

    Friday
    Jul 19

    30 Minutes

    Five individuals build a life after prison thanks to the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, and explain how life-altering a pardon and criminal justice reform can be.

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