Local, USA

Indie Films Series / 8 Seasons

Culled from public television stations and independent producers from across the country, LOCAL, USA is a half-hour series featuring fascinating stories of diverse people, curated around a single theme.

26m 49s / TV-PG

Girl Talk | Perceptual Dominance

2m 3s / TV-PG

Meet the Newton South High School debate team, one of the largest in the U.S. with a diverse roster - nearly half are girls and many are first generation. What the girls must achieve at the podium is perceptual dominance as they contend with the judges' opinions simply because they are not the boys.

In Their Element | Trailer

1m 47s / TV-PG

IN THEIR ELEMENT spotlights Indigenous leaders rising up to meet the challenge of the climate crisis. The film features four communities across the United States, each working to protect a different natural resource: earth, air, fire, and water. For people whose existence is inseparable from their native land, climate change is not a tale of the future - it is the present.

In Their Element | Preview

30s / TV-PG

IN THEIR ELEMENT spotlights Indigenous leaders rising up to meet the challenge of the climate crisis. The film features four communities across the United States, each working to protect a different natural resource: earth, air, fire, and water. For people whose existence is inseparable from their native land, climate change is not a tale of the future - it is the present.

Extremism in America | Trailer

1m 38s / TV-PG

According to government officials, domestic terrorism by white supremacists is the nation's most urgent threat. EXTREMISM IN AMERICA, from Retro Report and The WNET Group’s Exploring Hate initiative, shows how the spread of extremist beliefs and violence was downplayed for decades by policymakers and law enforcement even as this dangerous ideology, fueled by racism, grew into a potent force today.

Extremism in America | Sikh Temple Mass Shooting

1m 3s / TV-PG

On August 5, 2012, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, a gunman with ties to white supremacy entered a Sikh temple, killing and wounding members of the gurdwara and police. The product of extremism, mass shootings at houses of worship - from Charleston to Pittsburgh - have since continued over the past decade.

Extremism in America | Great Replacement Theory

1m 2s / TV-PG

The day after the 2008 presidential election, a predominantly Black church was burned to the ground - this was just one of a number of hate crimes that occurred in the U.S. following President Barack Obama's election. The response was also due to a theory known as the 'great/white replacement' which has been believed, spread and used by white supremacists, conservative media and politicians.

Extremism in America | The Order

1m 2s / TV-PG

Acts of terror have dotted U.S. history but it wasn't until the 1980s that white supremacy became a growing threat. Formed by Robert Mathews, The Order and its actions - including the murder of Jewish radio talk show host Alan Berg - was an alert to the federal government that domestic terrorism should be recognized and prioritized.

Extremism in America | Preview

30s / TV-PG

According to government officials, domestic terrorism by white supremacists is the nation's most urgent threat. EXTREMISM IN AMERICA, from Retro Report and The WNET Group’s Exploring Hate initiative, shows how the spread of extremist beliefs and violence was downplayed for decades by policymakers and law enforcement even as this dangerous ideology, fueled by racism, grew into a potent force today.

Caretakers | Trailer

2m 1s / TV-PG

CARETAKERS looks at the history of Filipinos in care work and profiles Filipino Americans on the front lines today. The film shows, as filmmaker Geena Rocero says, “Filipinos as we are," while telling the stories of all people providing vital care. Meet caretakers like nurse Belinda Ellis, therapist Aleksa Manila, Chef Channing Centeno, and phlebotomist Angel Bonilla.

Caretakers | Preview

30s / TV-PG

CARETAKERS looks at the history of Filipinos in care work and profiles Filipino Americans on the front lines today. The film shows, as filmmaker Geena Rocero says, “Filipinos as we are," while telling the stories of all people providing vital care. Meet caretakers like nurse Belinda Ellis, therapist Aleksa Manila, Chef Channing Centeno, and phlebotomist Angel Bonilla.

Breach of Trust | Trailer

1m 34s / TV-PG

Told from the point of view of women advocating for accountability and change, BREACH OF TRUST examines the sexual assault scandal at the University of Southern California and details crimes committed by former gynecologist Dr. George Tyndall, as well as exposing the active cover-up on the part of the administration.

Breach of Trust | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Told from the point of view of women advocating for accountability and change, BREACH OF TRUST examines the sexual assault scandal at the University of Southern California and details crimes committed by former gynecologist Dr. George Tyndall, as well as exposing the active cover-up on the part of the administration.

The Conversation Remix | Trailer

1m 54s / TV-PG

THE CONVERSATION REMIX explores the present catharsis we are living in, following the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. Through three character-driven films that present a vibrant collage of people’s lives and experiences, we dive into how the current uprising is impacting communities, and how we can contribute to discussions about racial justice reform.

The Conversation Remix | Preview

30s / TV-PG

THE CONVERSATION REMIX explores the present catharsis we are living in, following the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. Through three character-driven films that present a vibrant collage of people’s lives and experiences, we dive into how the current uprising is impacting communities, and how we can contribute to discussions about racial justice reform.

Decolonizing Mental Health | Trailer

2m 17s / TV-PG

The mental health field operates around a centre defined by a whiteness of theory and practice. It’s a colonization that has rarely been questioned. By focusing on the work of therapists and individuals of color, DECOLONIZING MENTAL HEALTH calls for a redressal of the ways in which we define psychiatric illness while discussing what a more responsive mental health care system should look like.

Decolonizing Mental Health | Preview

30s / TV-PG

The mental health field operates around a centre defined by a whiteness of theory and practice. It’s a colonization that has rarely been questioned. By focusing on the work of therapists and individuals of color, DECOLONIZING MENTAL HEALTH calls for a redressal of the ways in which we define psychiatric illness while discussing what a more responsive mental health care system should look like.

A Tale of Three Chinatowns | Trailer

1m 36s / TV-PG

A TALE OF THREE CHINATOWNS explores the survival of urban ethnic neighborhoods in three American cities: Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Boston. Through the voices of residents, community activists, developers, and government officials, the film looks at the forces altering each community and the challenges that go with them, including the pressing issue of urban development and gentrification.

A Tale of Three Chinatowns | Preview

30s / TV-PG

A TALE OF THREE CHINATOWNS explores the survival of urban ethnic neighborhoods in three American cities: Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Boston. Through the voices of residents, community activists, developers, and government officials, the film looks at the forces altering each community and the challenges that go with them, including the pressing issue of urban development and gentrification.

A Safe Space to Grieve and Laugh | Heaven: Can You Hear Me?

2m 11s / TV-PG

When a mother loses a child, they also lose a piece of themselves. The Philadelphia organization, Mothers in Charge, provides support to women like Johndell Gredic, who lost her 20-year-old son Nacear Gredic, Jr. Here they find a safe space to talk, cry, laugh and give back to one another.

Healing a Community | Heaven: Can You Hear Me?

1m 40s / TV-PG

Why has gun violence become a crisis in US cities like Philadelphia? For community leaders Colwin Williams, Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight and Reuben Jones, they see the challenges, and are working with young Black men and mothers to prevent, intervene and heal them from the traumas inflicted on their community.

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