Reflecting on the past couple of years in documentary film, we’ve seen a striking blend of poignant, thought-provoking, and globally diverse stories brought to the forefront by Independent Lens. One standout is the critically acclaimed “Bully”, a documentary that heartbreakingly explores the widespread issue of bullying among young people. Directed by Sundance and Emmy Award-winner Lee Hirsch, the film premiered during Bullying Prevention month and sparked a major conversation nationwide. The past seasons have also taken viewers on a global journey, exploring fascinating human stories from Japan to Bhutan, and everywhere in between. Let’s take a look back at these impactful documentaries that have not only entertained us but also challenged our perspectives.
Independent Lens: A Season of Powerful Documentaries
Independent Lens has always been committed to bringing the best documentary films to viewers. The series delves into immersive stories, engaging communities in conversations, and providing an authentic space for many voices to be heard. Over the past few seasons, the show has traversed the globe, bringing viewers into communities they wouldn’t otherwise get to know.
Kick-off with ‘Bully’
Starting off the season was the documentary “Bully”. This film opened a window into the lives of bullied kids, revealing a problem transcending geographic, racial, ethnic, and economic borders. It explored the responses of teachers and administrators to aggressive behaviors, thereby sparking a movement to change how bullying is handled.
Exploring Global Stories
“Twin Sisters”, “Brakeless”, and “Powerless” are just a few of the powerful stories that followed. From the tale of twins growing up a world apart to cultural attitudes in Japan possibly contributing to a devastating train crash, to the electricity situation in India, these documentaries took viewers on a journey around the world.
Technology Meets Tradition in ‘Happiness’
The season finale “Happiness” captured the moment when modern technology entered a remote Bhutanese village for the first time. This bittersweet arrival of progress was seen through the eyes of a young monk, offering a unique view on how technology can disrupt and transform traditional ways of life.
Independent Lens continues to showcase a wide array of immersive stories, sparking conversations and providing a platform for diverse voices. We eagerly anticipate what the next seasons will bring!
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