The documentary series Reel South is premiering eight new films as part of its tenth season. In addition to the national release on public television stations and streaming on the PBS App, Reel South’s tenth season will broadcast on public television stations nationwide via the WORLD channel. Season 10 features exemplary films focusing on the theme “A Decade of Connection and Triumph.”
The season premieres on April 7 with 36 Seconds: Portrait of a Hate Crime which dives into the heart-wrenching aftermath of the murders of three Muslim-American students in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 2015. The film chronicles their families' powerful journey from trauma to advocacy as they fight for justice for their loved ones.
The season features films that reflect the complexity and beauty of the South. From a groundbreaking legal battle against the Ku Klux Klan in How to Sue the Klan to the wonder of space exploration from an off-the-grid Appalachian town in Small Town Universe, each documentary offers viewers a chance to witness the ways the South shapes a better future.
View the season 10 trailer.
These titles, set to air in season 10, will premiere both on broadcast and online.
- 36 Seconds: Portrait of a Hate Crime (April 7), Dir. by Tarek Albaba
- How to Sue the Klan (April 14), Dir. by John Beder
- I’m Still Here (April 14) Dir. by Sam Miller
- Black Godfather of Scuba (April 21), Dir. by Matt Kay
- The Voice of Bamboo (April 21), Dir. by David Zheng and Sevi Burget-Foster
- Ishak (April 21), Dir. by Maaliyah Papillion
- Small Town Universe (April 28), Dir. by Katie Dellamaggiore
- Called to the Mountains (April 28), Dir. by Josh Goleman and Robert H. Dyar Jr.
Reel South concludes its tenth season with an hour-long program of original shorts that were commissioned and produced last year. The season will feature an inspiring collection of films that explore the resilience and cultural richness of the South, with a special focus on the transformative power of human connection.
Reel South is co-produced by PBS North Carolina, South Carolina ETV, and Louisiana Public Broadcasting and produced in association with Alabama Public Television, Arkansas PBS, South Florida PBS, Tennessee Public Television Council, VPM and WABE.
Learn more about Reel South and view films from prior seasons at reelsouth.org.
QUOTES
“As we celebrate 10 seasons of Reel South, this season embodies the essence of connection and triumph that defines the Southern experience. Each film is a testament to the resilience, creativity and strength of our communities, offering powerful narratives that inspire and unite. SCETV is proud to continue this collaboration with PBS North Carolina and other public media partners, bringing these authentic and impactful stories to audiences nationwide.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Reel South’s tenth season reflects the evolving landscape of the American South, sharing deeply personal and transformative stories that honor our region’s voices. These films not only capture the struggles and victories of the past decade but also highlight the hope and determination that drive us forward. It’s an honor to work alongside PBS North Carolina to amplify these perspectives and celebrate the filmmakers who bring them to life.” –SCETV Director of National Content and Regional Operations Don Godish
“It’s incredible that Reel South has brought 10 years of insightful stories about the Southern experience to the forefront. All this is only possible through the collective efforts of all the PBS member stations who have come together with a shared vision to spotlight films from this region.” –PBS Plus Director of Programming Michael E. Tang
FAST FACTS
- The documentary series Reel South is premiering eight new films as part of its tenth season.
- The series is co-produced by PBS North Carolina, South Carolina ETV and Louisiana Public Broadcasting.
- In addition to the national release on public television channels and streaming in the PBS App, Reel South’s tenth season will broadcast on PBS stations nationwide via the WORLD channel .
- Learn more about Reel South and view films from prior seasons at reelsouth.org.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About Reel South
Reel South is a PBS documentary series that showcases authentic and inspiring stories that unearth the spirit of the South today. With every film, the series explores the multifaceted layers of Southern life across themes of social justice, cultural experience, environmental challenges, and more. Reel South aims to leverage our region’s rich storytelling tradition as a catalyst for positive change and deeper understanding — in the American South and beyond. Reel South is co-produced by PBS North Carolina, South Carolina ETV, and Louisiana Public Broadcasting and produced in association with Alabama Public Television, Arkansas PBS, South Florida PBS, Tennessee Public Television Council, VPM, and WABE.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
Nick Price
Series Producer
nick@reelsouth.org
Documentary series “Reel South” shares eight new films with audiences nationwide (PDF)
