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"Insightful, provocative and moving, P.O.V. transmits television that throws light on how we live, an illuminating view leaving enlightenment in its wake."  —Mile Beller, Hollywood Reporter

P.O.V. (a cinema term for 'point of view')

When P.O.V. emerged on PBS's national schedule in 1988 with American Tongues, the "Big Three" networks — ABC, CBS and NBC — dominated television programming and cable was in its infancy. Public television was the only place where independent work had a shot at a national broadcast.

		P.O.V. launches its 20th season on PBS on June 19, 2007 with 14 new thought-provoking films. Check our Web site for updates and for information on our past seasons, awards and news. View the complete P.O.V. TV Schedule »

The series began with a fairly simple idea: There were wonderful films being made by independent nonfiction filmmakers, films that brought unique and personal perspectives to important subjects, and they deserved a home that could reach a broad national audience. These were films about social and political movements, about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. What made — and still makes — the series so powerful is its commitment to finding and presenting the works of filmmakers who push the boundaries of the documentary genre and tackle contemporary issues with tenacity and passion.

Over time the films have helped to raise awareness of important issues and to encourage public dialogue and community building. Through viewer-response programs, Web initiatives and partnerships with filmmakers, public television stations, local and national organizations, grassroots groups and educators, the series continue to push the envelope of what's possible for nonfiction storytelling, setting the bar higher and finding new ways to bring cutting-edge films and provocative topics to diverse audiences.

P.O.V.'s season runs from June through October with specials throughout the year.

The following services are provided to every P.O.V. broadcast:

• A national broadcast-centered press campaign including a full press kit and a national mailing and follow-up to over 4,000 weekly and daily print and radio outlets. In 2006, P.O.V. films garnered over 4,500 press hits.
• Optional distribution consultation services on festival, theatrical and post-broadcast distribution strategies or distribution opportunities including with Docurama and Netflix.
• A menu of community engagement activities that extend awareness of your broadcast through local public television stations and their community partners. Events may number between 5 and 50, depending on the response from stations and community organizations. In 2006, P.O.V. presented over 425 events in partnership with 20 public television stations and 350 community-based organizations, reaching over 25,000 people in 44 states and the District of Columbia.
• Inclusion on the award-winning P.O.V. Web site, including the development of special features such as filmmaker interviews and story updates, podcasts, streaming video and community-based and educational applications focusing on involving viewers in activities, information and feedback on the issues We encourage filmmaker participation in conceptualizing the special features for their film's sites. The P.O.V. Web site is among the top 20 sites on PBS.org, the most-trafficked ".org" in the world.
• Scheduling services with PBS stations to ensure the highest possible carriage for your film. Currently we are seen in 97 percent of the country; while each partner station determines its own schedule, the vast majority air a film the night or week it is scheduled in the PBS schedule.
• "Talking Back" opportunities online and, in certain cases, for broadcast, allowing viewers to respond to your film. We often get hundreds of responses.
• Companion educational and discussion materials available online and through PBS TeacherSource. In 2007, each P.O.V. film will have a combination Discussion Guide and Lesson Plans directed at general audiences.

Visit the P.O.V. Website on PBS »

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