A Year-End List of Our Own: Top Five on Beyond the Box

What a year it has been! As we prepare to ring in 2010, we thought we’d take a look back at some of the most popular blog posts and create a year-end list of our very own. Check out the top five most visited blog posts from the past year. 

5. Crips and Bloods: Made in America Live Webcast Panel 
On April 14, Community Cinema, in partnership with the City of Los Angeles, screened Crips And Bloods: Made in America, a film that examines the conditions that have led to the devastating gang violence among young African Americans growing up in South Los Angeles. The event was also broadcast live on Beyond the Box with questions fielded from an online chat room, Twitter and a live audience in Los Angeles. The video recording is available to watch. Read more >>

4. Recently Funded by ITVS 
ITVS funds, distributes and promotes new programs produced by independent producers primarily for public television and beyond. Filmmakers from across the United States and around the world received funding and were announced on the blog. The Newly Funded category collectively received a high volume of traffic and showcases the diverse range of films funded by ITVS. Check out the lists >>

3. Independent Lens Announces Maggie Gyllenhaal as New Host 
We could hardly keep the secret any longer. Earlier this year, we announced that Maggie Gyllenhaal would be the new host of Independent Lens. No stranger to the indie film world, Gyllenhaal has starred in a wide-range of films including Secretary (2002), for which she received a Golden Globe nomination, Donnie Darko (2001) and Sherrybaby (2006), where she received her second Golden Globe nomination. Be sure to go see her in the upcoming films Crazy Heart, alongside Jeff Bridges and Nanny McPhee, and the Big Bang with Emma Thompson. Read more >>

2. Tattooed Under Fire Filmmaker Discusses Fort Hood Shootings 
The shootings on November 5 at Fort Hood –– which left 13 dead and 30 injured –– shocked the nation. The documentary Tattooed Under Fire, presented by ITVS and Austin PBS affiliate KLRU, was filmed on location in and around Fort Hood and Killen, Texas. A few days after the tragedy, filmmaker Nancy Schiesari shared her thoughts on Beyond the Box blog and the emotional impact it had on her. Read more >>

1. Independent Lens Unveils 2009-2010 Season on PBS 
You picked it! The highest traffic on Beyond the Box this year went to the season announcement of Independent Lens on PBS. Kicking off October 13, this season includes a powerful mix of entertaining and soul-searching stories –– from the personal to the political. Wait until you see what's coming up on the Winter/Spring line-up. Stay tuned! Read more >> What were your favorite blog posts this year? If you have any suggestions about what you'd like to see more of on the blog, please share your thoughts with us. Happy New Year from ITVS!