Cinema | PBS Video

Tavis Smiley | Lance Reddick: Friday, 11/13/09

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:12:22 -0800

Actor Lance Reddick discusses his plan to act to help his music career and how he handles the constant rejection that comes with being in the business.

POV | The Way We Get By - Filmmaker Interview

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:47:32 -0800

Filmmakers Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly talk about their film, The Way We Get By, which takes an intimate look at three elderly troop greeters in Maine, one of whom is Gaudet's mother Joan. The filmmakers talk about how they became close to the characters, what sending a loved one off to war means and what we can all learn from the troop greeters. The film airs on Nov 11th on PBS at 9PM

Tavis Smiley | Tony Shalhoub: Wednesday, 11/11/09

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:48:20 -0800

Emmy-winning actor Tony Shalhoub describes the audience appeal of his show and assesses cable versus network TV.

POV | The Way We Get By

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 13:07:28 -0800

For the past five years, a group of senior citizens has made history by greeting over 900,000 American troops at a tiny airport in Bangor, Maine. Take an intimate look at three of these greeters as they confront the universal losses that come with aging and rediscover their reason for living.

Tavis Smiley | Susie Essman: Thursday, 11/5/09

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 21:18:25 -0800

Susie Essman, co-star of "Curb Your Enthusiasm", comments on how open she is in her new memoir and reflects on finding her voice doing stand-up.

Tavis Smiley | Robert Wagner: Wednessday, 11/4/09

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 22:26:09 -0800

Emmy-nominated actor Robert Wagner talks about his newly released memoir, "Pieces of My Heart".

Tavis Smiley | The Swell Season: Tuesday, 11/3/09

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:02:09 -0800

The Swell Season's Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova share the story of how their name came to be and reflect on winning an Oscar.

Tavis Smiley | Kris Kristofferson: Monday, 11/2/09

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:47:06 -0800

Singer-songwriter-actor Kris Kristofferson talks about being musically challenged and his friendships with icons like Muhammad Ali and Johnny Cash.

Tavis Smiley | Edward Norton: Friday, 10/30/09

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:40:37 -0700

Oscar-nominated actor Edward Norton shares the backstory of his new documentary, By the People, and talks about training for the New York Marathon.

Tavis Smiley | Tim McGraw: Wednesday, 10/28/09

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:13:41 -0700

Country music superstar Tim McGraw explains the importance of lyrical content in country music and talks about whether he'll quit his day job for acting.

Tavis Smiley | Michelle Monaghan: Tuesday, 10/20

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:32:02 -0700

Michelle Monaghan explains the excitement of playing a strong independent female character in the film "Truckers".

Tavis Smiley | Michael Sheen: Monday, 10/12

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:17:51 -0700

Actor Michael Sheen explains is critical success in "Frost Nixon" and previews the storyline of his new film, "Damned United".

Tavis Smiley | Michael C. Hall: Monday, 10/5

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 22:58:47 -0700

Actor Michael C. Hall compares his Dexter and Six Feet Under characters.

Inventing LA | Bombing at the Times

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:49:56 -0700

Unionists explode dynamite at the Times Headquarters during Harrison Gray Otis' reign as publisher.

Inventing LA | California Dreaming

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:50:01 -0700

A look at the lifestyle of a former LA Times' publisher through a montage of archival images.

Tavis Smiley | Adam Arkin: Wednesday, 9/30

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:16:10 -0700

Emmy-winning actor-director Adam Arkin reflects on finding success alongside his dad and talks about his latest TV and film projects.

Tavis Smiley | Michael Moore: Tuesday, 9/29

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:24:06 -0700

Filmmaker Michael Moore discusses the price Americans pay for their love of capitalism and assesses whether the country can turn things around.

Tavis Smiley | Michael Moore: Tuesday, 9/29 - Highlight

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:39:38 -0700

Filmmaker Michael Moore and Tavis discuss President Obama's performance thus far. Show airs Tuesday, 9/29.

Tavis Smiley | Louis C.K.: Friday, 9/25

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:05:36 -0700

Comedian Louis C.K. talks about whether Americans could handle being told the truth more often and his new film, The Invention of Lying.

Tavis Smiley | David Duchovny: Wednesday, 9/23

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:37:43 -0700

Actor David Duchovny talks about his Showtime series, "Californication".

POV | So the Wind Won't Blow It All Away

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:17:02 -0700

The film tells the story of a determined group of teenagers who, more than two years after Hurricane Katrina devastated their homes and scattered their families, return to New Orleans alone and struggle to graduate from high school. A touching and shocking story of the abandoned children of Louisiana, the film is also a bracing portrait of teens who won't be defeated by their abandonment.

POV | Bronx Princess

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:17:01 -0700

Rocky Otoo is the Bronx-bred teenage daughter of Ghanaian parents, and she's no pushover. She is a sassy high-achiever bound for college. With freedom in sight, Rocky rebels against her mother's rules. When their relationship reaches a breaking point, Rocky flees to her father, a chief in Ghana. What follows is a tumultuous coming-of-age story set in a homeland both familiar and strange.

Tavis Smiley | Forest Whitaker: Monday, 9/21

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:32:27 -0700

Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker explains why he exec produced "Brick City" and discusses the issues addressed in the documentary.

Tavis Smiley | Jenna Elfman: Friday, 9/18

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:36:22 -0700

Golden Globe-winning actress Jenna Elfman explains why she's attracted to comedy and talks about growing up in L.A.

POV | A Healing Art

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 10:18:22 -0800

Artificial eye makers combine artistry, skill and compassion to rekindle hope for their patients and families. Each eye is a work of art created to be as unique as the individual who wears it. Follow the compelling journey of several patients from a state of fear to a place of hope as they are transformed by caring and capable hands.

POV | The Principal Story

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:28:55 -0700

A portrait of the challenges facing America's public schools and of the difference a dedicated principal can make. Following two principals over the course of a school year, viewers discover what effective educational leadership looks like in the 21st century. The Principal Story is a production of Nomadic Pictures with funding from The Wallace Foundation. (Available through December 13, 2009)

Tavis Smiley | Mekhi Phifer: Tuesday, 9/1

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 00:47:31 -0700

Actor Mekhi Phifer discusses finding roles that show African Americans in a multi-faceted light.

Independent Lens | Young@Heart Preview

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:01:32 -0700

Prepare to be surprised, delighted and entertained by the inspiring members of the Young@Heart Chorus, a New England senior citizens chorus that has delighted audiences worldwide with their renditions of songs by everyone from The Clash to Coldplay, in Stephen Walker's critically acclaimed documentary.

Tavis Smiley | Quentin Tarantino: Monday, 8/24

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:32:05 -0700

Oscar-winning filmmaker reflects on how he sees movies and getting through periods when his films don't do as well.

Tavis Smiley | Alexis Bledel: Friday, 8/21

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 07:22:29 -0700

Actress Alexis Bledel reflects on her transition from modeling to acting and discusses her new film, "Post Grad."

Your Life Your Money | Donald Faison at the PBS Press Tour

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 07:07:06 -0700

As part of PBS's coverage of the 2009 Television Critics Association Press Tour, video blogger Zadi Diaz (www.epicfu.com) interviews actor Donald Faison, host of the documentary YOUR LIFE, YOUR MONEY. Airs Wednesday, Sept. 9, 9PM on PBS.

POV | City of Cranes

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:47:21 -0700

Cranes dominate our skylines, yet few people ever notice them. Spending most of their time alone up in the crane, crane operators seem to merge with their machines, becoming invisible to passers-by. City of Cranes takes the viewer hundreds of feet above the ground to hear the insights of crane operators, and see a glimpse of the poetic, mesmerizing world of cranes.

POV | Utopia, Part 3: The World's Largest Shopping Mall

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:47:21 -0700

If you thought Minnesota's Mall of America was the world's biggest shopping center, think again. South China Mall is a Vegas-like spectacle built in 2005 that now sits almost entirely empty. In the current economic climate, could this be a symbol of things to come?

Tavis Smiley | Dylan McDermott: Monday, 8/17

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:49:12 -0700

Golden Globe-winning actor Dylan McDermott shares the vision he has for his career and talks about his role as star of the TNT series, "Dark Blue".

Tavis Smiley | Davis Guggenheim: Friday, 8/14

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:42:19 -0700

Filmmaker Davis Guggenheim shares the backstory of his new documentary, "It Might Get Loud", and explains why it focuses on music's rock genre.

Tavis Smiley | Gloria Reuben: Thursday, 8/13

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:27:43 -0700

Emmy-nominated actress Gloria Reuben says divine intervention plays a big role in her life.

Tavis Smiley | Timothy Hutton: Wednesday, 8/5

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 22:10:29 -0700

Oscar-winning actor tells the story behind the character he plays in TNT's series, "Leverage".

Tavis Smiley | Spinal Tap Members (r): Thursday, 7/23

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:05:00 -0700

Spinal Tap members - Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Michael McKean - explain how they came together 25 years ago for their "mockumentary."

Tavis Smiley | Tracey Ullman (r): Friday, 7/17

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 05:07:13 -0700

Actress-comedienne Tracey Ullman comments on being a news junkie, becoming a U.S. citizen and finding humor in different situations.

POV | The Reckoning

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:20:16 -0700

The Reckoning follows International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo and his team for three years as he issues arrest warrants in Uganda, puts Congolese warlords on trial, shakes up the Colombian justice system and charges Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir with genocide in Darfur. Will the prosecutor succeed? Will justice prevail?

Tavis Smiley | Steve Martin (r): Monday, 7/13

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:02:08 -0700

Steve Martin talks about how he came to love the banjo and demonstrates two styles of playing.

Tavis Smiley | Lisa Kudrow: Wednesday, 7/8

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 06:33:18 -0700

Actress discusses the freedom of Internet media and her web series, "Web Therapy."

Tavis Smiley | Jeremy Renner: Monday, 7/6

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 09:33:40 -0700

Actor Jeremy Renner discusses his role as a member of a highly trained bomb disposal team and the dangers these brave soldiers face on the field.

Tavis Smiley | Bill Pullman: Thursday, 7/2

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 09:16:01 -0700

Actor Bill Pullman compares acting in the theater to doing movies.

Tavis Smiley | Shohreh Aghdashloo: Wednesday, 7/1

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 06:45:34 -0700

Actress Shohreh Aghdashloo discusses engaging Jordanians in the message of her new film, "The Stoning of Soraya M."

Tavis Smiley | Paul Giamatti: Friday, 6/26

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 07:06:46 -0700

Paul Giamatti talks about playing quirky characters and his new feature, "Cold Souls."

Tavis Smiley | Francis Ford Coppolla (Part 1): Tuesday, 6/23

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:10:33 -0700

Francis Ford Coppola looks back at The Godfather films and Apocalypse Now and talks about his childhood bout with polio.

Bill Moyers | The Journal: Women Fight for Peace

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:07:31 -0700

Instructed by a dream and organized in prayer, Leymah Gbowee and thousands of everyday women in Liberia confronted warlords and a corrupt president to successfully fight for peace and dignity in their war-torn nation. Journal guest host Lynn Sherr interviews Leymah Gbowee and Abigail Disney, who documented their inspiring tale in the award-winning film Pray the Devil Back to Hell.

Tavis Smiley | Roseanne Barr: Thursday, 6/18

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:54:58 -0700

Roseanne Barr reflects on her journey to Hollywood - the years of struggle, when people didn't want her working in their comedy clubs, the quick success - and the politics of the day that made her namesake show so popular.

Tavis Smiley | Chris Noth: Wednesday, 6/17

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:28:46 -0700

TV, stage and film actor talks about his play and being perpetually identified as Mr. Big from "Sex and the City," one of the two roles for which he is best known.

Tavis Smiley | Mary McCormack: Monday, 6/15

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:33:16 -0700

Actress Mary McCormack talks about the premise of her new USA Network original series, In Plain Sight.

Tavis Smiley | Kevin Bacon: Monday, 6/8

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 06:32:52 -0700

Actor Kevin Bacon talks about connecting to his role in HBO's critically acclaimed film on the war in Iraq, "Taking Chance", and whether there'll be a remake of "Footloose".

Tavis Smiley | Nia Vardalos: Friday, 6/5

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 14:06:43 -0700

Writer-actress Nia Vardalos, star the new film "My Life in Ruins" discusses her writing process.

Tavis Smiley | Edie Falco: Wednesday, 6/3

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 05:50:06 -0700

Emmy-winning actress Edie Falco talks about navigating celebrity life.

Bill Moyers | The Journal: THE WIRE's David Simon

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 14:53:36 -0700

From crime beat reporter for the BALTIMORE SUN to award-winning screenwriter of HBO's critically-acclaimed THE WIRE, David Simon talks with Bill Moyers about inner-city crime and politics, storytelling and the future of journalism today.

Great Performances | King Lear

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:36:29 -0700

Arguably the finest Shakespearean actor of his generation, Ian McKellen recreates his recent stage performance of the tragic monarch in a special television adaptation. Directed by Trevor Nunn, the telecast includes nearly all the original cast members of the sold-out Royal Shakespeare Company production that premiered in Stratford-Upon-Avon in April 2007. Sir Ian McKellan received an Emmy nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie in 2009.

American Masters | Scene from The Brothers Warner

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 11:26:02 -0800

Harry Warner's granddaughter talks to people on Hollywood Boulevard; Interview with Lita Heller, Sam Warner's daughter; Interview with Roy Disney on Steamboat Willie; Black Furry and Sherry Lansing discussing films of social relevance; Roy Disney on fueding brothers; Eddie Boxer on Jack Warner's editing skills;

Wide Angle | Heart of Darfur

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:15:10 -0700

The film Heart of Darfur captures the desperation of daily life in remote villages, crowded refugee camps and in El Fasher, the once sleepy capital of North Darfur that is now home to 100,000 refugees and 10,000 U.N. personnel.

Scientific American Frontiers | Robot Pals

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:32:39 -0800

We'll meet three robots - including a future member of an astronaut team - that are trying to better understand us.

POV | A Thousand Words

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 06:37:25 -0800

In Melba Williams' award-winning A Thousand Words, the filmmaker's father, a Vietnam veteran who has suffered a stroke, tries to recapture his war experience for his children. They discover that the true story can be found in the photography and moving images he left behind.

POV | The Fire Next Time

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:12:18 -0700

Over a stormy two-year period, The Fire Next Time follows a deeply divided group of Flathead Valley, Montana citizens caught in a web of conflicts intensified by rapid growth and the power of talk radio.

Latinos in 60 Seconds | Fear of a Latin Planet

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:01:48 -0700

Two performance artists deliver a searing critique of Latino media imagery by reciting a litany of stereotypes in spoken-word poetry. Produced by Bernardo Ruiz.

Latinos in 60 Seconds | Las Carpas

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:15:40 -0700

Learn about the history of Las Carpas, Mexican tent shows. Find out how the performances continue to influence present day theater. The exhibit of Las Carpas at the Hertzberg Circus Museum in San Antonio, Texas, serves as the backdrop for this video. Produced by Manuel Ray Garcia.

Latinos in 60 Seconds | The Director

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:30:41 -0700

Follow the success stories of four women who were once teen mothers, including the videos producer/director, Dora Pena. It encourages young women to not give up on their dreams. Produced by Dora Pena.

POV | Regret to Inform

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 06:37:25 -0800

The filmmaker travels to the remote Vietnamese countryside where her husband died. She explores the meaning of war and loss on a human level and weaves interviews with Vietnamese and American widows into a testament to the chilling legacy of war. These stories are reminders that the battle scars are life-long, but that shared sorrow can inspire healing and reconciliation.