Independent Lens Takes on TCA!

Over the course of the next two weeks, journalists and television critics will be flocking to the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles for the biannual Television Critics Association (TCA) Press Tour in Los Angeles for a chance to preview upcoming programs from major broadcast and cable networks.

This weekend, PBS is prominently featuring Independent Lens with two panels in support of next season’s programming. First up is a special presentation of Byron Hurt’s Soul Food Junkies, a documentary that explores the ups and downs of soul food, a quintessential American cuisine. On Saturday morning, journalists are invited to enjoy a soul food-inspired breakfast before heading over to a panel featuring director Byron Hurt, comedian and key subject of the documentary Dick Gregory, and Independent Lens host Mary-Louise Parker for a lively conversation centered around the film.

On Sunday, PBS is hosting a special event for Half the Sky, which will premiere on Independent Lens October 1 & 2, 2012. A landmark series based on the book by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, Half the Sky follows six celebrity activists including Diane Lane, America Ferrera, and Olivia Wilde as they travel to six countries and meet inspiring, courageous individuals who are confronting oppression and developing real, meaningful solutions through health care, education, and economic empowerment for women and girls. Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn will be joined by Meg Ryan, Diane Lane, America Ferrera, and Urmi Basu (subject of the film and founder of New Light) for a live Q&A during the event. 

Many other shows are slated to make an appearance as PBS kicks off the TCA Summer Press Tour, including Downton Abbey, FRONTLINE, and Martha Stewart's Cooking. A wrap up of the weekend's events will be available on BTB, early next week.