Series & Collections

The 10th season of Independent Lens on PBS showcases an eclectic lineup of 30 films from a range of independent filmmakers. The current season of this Emmy Award-winning series showcases diverse perspectives you won't find anywhere else on television. Independent Lens airs Thursday nights at 10 PM (check local listings).

Global Voices presents U.S. premieres of critically acclaimed international documentaries, offering the unique perspectives of international independent filmmakers. The series also features internationally themed programs by American filmmakers. Global Voices presents compelling stories often overlooked by American media, from tales of corruption in Chad to the hip hop movement in South America. Global Voices can be seen on the WORLD channel, Sundays at 10 PM (Check local listings).

The Global Perspectives Collection encompasses more than 140 ITVS-funded films from over nearly 90 countries around the world. These independent documentaries capture ordinary and compelling voices from the filmmakers’ own communities, offering diverse perspectives on social issues, politics, and much more. The collection’s films have aired on acclaimed PBS series and many commercial outlets, including digital platforms.

Diverse Muslim Voices builds awareness and understanding in the U.S. of the range of Muslim societies and cultures. Advancing the mission of ITVS’s Global Perspectives Project, a two-way exchange of independent documentaries, the multiyear project elevates stories about Muslim cultures through multiplatform promotion and distribution and ignites citizen engagement through live events and educational programs.

Imagining tomorrow’s America today, FUTURESTATES is a series of independent mini-features — short narrative films created by veteran filmmakers and emerging talents transforming today’s complex social issues into visions about what life will be like in decades to come. In Season Two, 10 filmmakers imagine America in the not-too-distant future, when what we do, where we live, and who we are will all be dictated by the decisions we make today.

True Stories: Life in the USA shows international audiences an America rarely seen in headline news or commercial media, providing a more authentic perspective of the United States and its people. ITVS works closely with public media broadcasters around the world to present this 16-part independent documentary series that challenges preconceived notions, and to show the world the true stories of America.