PBS Series ‘Independent Lens’ Welcomes Oscar Contender ‘The Librarians’ to Kick Off Winter Season
EXCLUSIVE: Independent Lens, the Emmy-winning documentary series on PBS presented by ITVS, has unveiled its exciting winter film slate, which features the Oscar contender The Librarians.
Directed by Kim A. Snyder, The Librarians provides an unflinching examination of the surge in book bans across the United States. The film will premiere on Independent Lens on February 9 and is executive produced by actress Sarah Jessica Parker. It debuted earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival and highlights the challenges faced by librarians in public schools and libraries, who are often vilified by groups such as Moms for Liberty for their role in book access.
A promotional release describes the film as being “told through the eyes of women on the frontlines,” emphasizing the critical stakes involved when reading freedom becomes a contentious issue.
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Alongside The Librarians, other films announced for this season include Vivien’s Wild Ride, The Inquisitor, and Keep Quiet and Forgive. Collectively, these films present “women-led stories of resilience, resistance, and revelation.” Further details about each film and their premiere dates are available.
Lois Vossen, a founding executive producer of Independent Lens, remarked, “Independent Lens documentaries dig a bit deeper to find the complex story beneath. They investigate the intersection of our past to help us understand the present. Intimate, personal journeys like Vivien’s Wild Ride and The Inquisitor, along with national stories like Keep Quiet and Forgive and The Librarians, provide audiences with nuanced, empathetic stories reflecting the vision, resilience, and independence of everyday Americans.”
The four films scheduled for the Independent Lens winter season will also be featured in the Indie Lens Pop-Up, a community screening series that has facilitated discussions around thought-provoking documentaries for nearly half a million people. In-person and virtual events are set to take place across over 200 communities in nearly all 50 states as part of the 20th season of Indie Lens Pop-Up.
All films will be available for streaming on the PBS app and PBS YouTube channel on their respective premiere dates. Past documentaries from Independent Lens include the Oscar-nominated I Am Not Your Negro, the Peabody-winning docuseries Philly D.A., and the Emmy-winning The Invisible War. ITVS, the series’ producer, is supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, along with various foundations.
INDEPENDENT LENS WINTER 2026:
VIVIEN’S WILD RIDE – January 26 – Directed by Vivien Hillgrove, this film follows legendary film editor Vivien Hillgrove as she confronts her diminishing eyesight while reflecting on resilience and creativity. It chronicles her journey from a groundbreaking career in cinema to life on a small farm with her partner, Karen, illustrating how creativity and connection redefine belonging.
THE LIBRARIANS – February 9 – Directed by Kim A. Snyder, this documentary examines the battle librarians face as Texas lawmakers propose reviewing book lists. It addresses how librarians across the U.S. confront the challenges posed by restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content, providing historical context on the implications for education and public life.
THE INQUISITOR – February 23 – Directed by Angela Tucker, this documentary explores the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan, a Texas congresswoman whose sharp intellect transformed U.S. politics during pivotal moments, including Nixon’s impeachment and civil rights advocacy.
KEEP QUIET AND FORGIVE – March 23 – Directed by Sarah McClure, this film depicts the journey of an Amish child sexual assault survivor who breaks her silence, inspiring a nationwide movement of other survivors seeking justice and reform.
