South Carolina ETV (SCETV) is proud to announce the series Reel South won its first major industry award at the 40th Annual International Documentary Association Awards. The limited series A Town Called Victoria, directed by Texas native Li Lu, received the honor of Best Limited Series at the ceremony held in December at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, California.
A Town Called Victoria is a three-hour documentary series released in 2023, co-produced by Reel South, PBS North Carolina, Independent Lens and the Center for Asian American Media. The series tells the compelling story of the aftermath of a devastating arson attack on a mosque in Victoria, Texas, and the community's efforts to rebuild and come together in the face of hate.
Since its broadcast, the series has toured the country as part of the Independent Television Service (ITVS) engagement initiative, Indie Lens Pop-Up, where PBS stations and local organizations hosted events featuring the film’s participants and creators, fostering dialogue and community engagement around its powerful themes.
Reel South is a PBS documentary series that showcases authentic and inspiring stories which 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. The series is co-produced by PBS North Carolina, SCETV and Louisiana Public Broadcasting and produced in association with Alabama Public Television, Arkansas PBS, South Florida PBS, Tennessee Public Television Council, VPM and WABE.
QUOTES
“We are thrilled to see Reel South receive this well-deserved recognition at the International Documentary Association Awards. A Town Called Victoria is a powerful testament to the resilience and unity of communities in the face of adversity. This award underscores the importance of sharing authentic Southern stories that foster understanding and empathy. We are immensely proud of our partnership with PBS North Carolina and Louisiana Public Broadcasting and look forward to continuing to bring impactful stories to the forefront.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“When Li Lu approached Reel South about a possible partnership, we immediately felt connected to this community’s pain and healing. This recognition from our peers in the documentary field is incredibly meaningful. To see Li Lu’s vision and public media’s collective effort to bring forward the story of Victoria emboldens us to continue making sure the storytellers and the filmmakers from this region are given ample opportunities and platforms to expand the narratives of the South and participate in the democracy of this country.” –Reel South Series Producer Nick Price
“PBS North Carolina is proud and humbled by this honor for our first Reel South original series. This work would not be possible without the collaborative efforts across our fellow public media organizations, and it is a testament to the power of and trust in public broadcasting. We’re grateful to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS for supporting communities in North Carolina and across the nation.” –Director of National Productions at PBS North Carolina Rachel Raney
“Thank you to the International Documentary Association for this incredible honor. This award is special as it comes from our peers in our documentary field. Folks that understand the duty to tell stories with integrity, artistry and urgency. Our work is important, and above all, the work is what we hope people will see. We hope this award can amplify the story of Victoria, which at its heart, is a story about community.” –A Town Called Victoria Director Li Lu
FAST FACTS
- The Reel South limited series A Town Called Victoria won best limited series at the International Documentary Association Awards.
- The award ceremony was held in December at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, California.
- A Town Called Victoria is a three-hour documentary series released in 2023, co-produced by Reel South, PBS North Carolina, SCETV, Independent Lens and the Center for Asian American Media.
- Reel South is a PBS documentary series that showcases authentic and inspiring stories which unearth the spirit of the South today.
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 Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice and How She Rolls. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
Reel South wins Best Limited Series at International Documentary Association Awards (PDF)
