Blog

Test Your Knowledge

June 16, 2020

Do You Live in a News Bubble?

Independent Lens in Beyond the Films

By Brooke Shelby Biggs Whether you think of her as a visionary or a kook, Marion Stokes was far ahead of her time in addressing a problem in American media…...

Hale County wins Peabody graphic for Independent Lens
Awards

June 10, 2020

Hale County This Morning, This Evening Wins Peabody Award

Independent Lens in Announcements

The Peabody Awards announced that the Independent Lens film Hale County This Morning, This Evening was honored with a Peabody in the Documentary category.  We extend our heartiest congratulations to…...

Interviews

June 09, 2020

How Do You Sort Through 70,000 Videotapes?

Craig Phillips in Behind the Films

The San Jose (CA) native, New York City-based filmmaker Matt Wolf is no stranger to having to comb through archival footage for his documentaries. His film Wild Combination, about the…...

Riding a motorbike on Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
Where Are They Now?

May 21, 2020

The Island, the Tourist, and the Pandemic

Independent Lens in Beyond the Films

By Sergio Rapu Don’t you wish you were living out the pandemic on a beautiful secluded island right about now? What I have learned is that, though enjoyable in the…...

Mama Piru, in Rapa Nui recycling facility
Test Your Knowledge

May 21, 2020

How Much Do You Know About Recycling? ♻️ A Biodegradable Quiz

Independent Lens in Test Your Knowledge

How much do you know about where our waste goes? From cigarette butts to banana peels to plastics, test your expertise on recycling and learn some possibly shocking stats. This…...

Enrique and members of Toki Music School building with recyclable materials. From Eating Up Easter.
Interviews

May 20, 2020

Filmmakers Show the World the Real Easter Island, a Wakeup Call with Hope

Craig Phillips in Interviews

Sergio Mata'u Rapu has spent the last 15 years shooting and producing documentaries that have aired on History Channel, Travel Channel, National Geographic, and NOVA. Based in Minnesota, a very…...

Beach cleanup under way on Rapa Nui while the famous statues loom in background
Beyond the Films

May 12, 2020

Rapa Nui and Other Fragile Lands Rally Against Tourism Pollution

Independent Lens in Beyond the Films

By Satu Runa In a story that begins with a heartfelt message to their infant son about the unique character of his ancestral home Rapa Nui (also known as Easter…...

Young child with chin on table holding up peace signs

May 11, 2020

“I Was Just a Little Kid” | Rewind

Independent Lens in

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Sasha Neulinger editing Rewind in his editing suite
Behind the Films

May 01, 2020

Sasha Joseph Neulinger Confronts Family Trauma Head-On

Craig Phillips in Behind the Films

It's been a pretty impressive run for what was someone's very first feature documentary. But then again, Rewind is no ordinary first film. After Sasha Joseph Neulinger finished film school…...

Podcaster Helen Hong, recording from her actual closet
Lifestyle

April 29, 2020

Podcasts Persevere During the Pandemic

Independent Lens in Interviews

By Sonia Weiser If it weren’t for podcasts, I’d never know what day it was. So I’m grateful that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, shows are sticking to their regimented…...

Jim Allison walking on a street

April 27, 2020

The Wondrous T-Cell | Jim Allison: Breakthrough

Independent Lens in

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Archival shot of Jim Allison on a beach, wearing hat
Interviews

April 23, 2020

Making a Film About the Necessity of Science and Commitment to the Truth

Craig Phillips in Behind the Films

Bill Haney brought all the hats he's worn into play in making the documentary Jim Allison: Breakthrough. The award-winning filmmaker (he counts a Silver Hugo, an IDA Pare Lorentz Award,…...