Independent Lens

If I were heading for a desert island with only one complete set of DVDs, I’d be taking Independent Lens. There’s no more authentic way to stay in touch with real people and life as it is. I never feel alone in the world when I'm watching an episode, even if I’m by myself. —Bill Moyers

Our first year of accepting online submissions has been a great success! Therefore, we have decided to extend the Independent Lens 2013 - 2014 Season Online Submission deadline through Friday March 1, 2013. Although we have extended the deadline, we definitely urge you to submit as soon as possible. The curating process has already begun and broadcast spots will be assigned as titles are acquired. The competition for spots gets even more competitive later in the submission process so it is very much to your benefit to submit earlier.

Independent Lens is a film festival in your living room. Since 2003, Independent Lens has presented more than 300 films to public television audiences. The Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series is broadcast on the PBS national schedule on Monday nights at 10pm. Independent Lens is the largest showcase for independent documentaries anywhere on U.S. television, premiering 22 new films each season. The series is curated jointly by ITVS and PBS.

Independent Lens is currently seeking submissions of completed or near completed programs for broadcast during the October 2013 - June 2014 season.

Independent Lens films are often character driven stories, and are known for compelling storytelling, innovation, and diversity. Independent Lens welcomes individual expression and is committed to presenting diverse points of view, on topics suited for a national audience.