Independent Lens Teams Up with Sundance Favorite ‘Ghost In The Machine’; Insights from Deadline’s Doc Talk Podcast
ITVS Acquires U.S. Broadcast Rights to "Ghost in the Machine"
The Emmy-winning series Independent Lens, produced by ITVS, has secured the U.S. broadcast rights to Ghost in the Machine, a documentary directed by Valerie Veatch that critically examines the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, is set for a community screening tour in the spring, a theatrical release in the summer, and will debut on PBS in the fall of 2026.
Ghost in the Machine is described as a compelling and timely investigative piece that uncovers the historical context of artificial intelligence. It argues that AI is not merely a set of neutral algorithms, but a technology deeply influenced by societal issues such as racism, misogyny, eugenics, and entrenched power dynamics. The documentary challenges the prevailing narrative of AI as an inevitable and objective advancement, suggesting that these technologies obscure significant political and cultural agendas that shape our society today.
“It is a wake-up call inside a searing analysis of power, technology, and capitalism, highlighting the environmental dangers posed by the elite’s view of democracy,” said Vossen, reflecting on the film’s significance. “It connects the dots between AI’s portrayal and the emerging new world order, revealing its potential impact on nearly every aspect of our lives.”
In a statement, Veatch expressed gratitude to the ITVS team for recognizing the urgency of the project. “This film interrogates the mythologies surrounding AI and reveals the human choices embedded within these systems. ITVS’s dedication to bold storytelling ensures that Ghost in the Machine will engage communities across the country, where this conversation is essential,” she said.
The documentary was well-received at Sundance, with Ms. Magazine calling it essential for anyone interacting with AI technologies. RogerEbert.com emphasized its warning about placing machines in their rightful context before they dominate human existence.
ITVS, recognized as the largest co-producer of independent documentaries in the United States, has been involved in recent productions including Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, The Inquisitor, and The Librarians, which has also been acquired by Independent Lens.
