Reel South is now accepting film submissions through July 23 for the 2022 broadcast season for PBS audiences. Reel South seeks films that focus on the people, issues, and culture of the southern states. Reel South accepting film entries for 2022 season on PBSThe series showcases films that cover a broad range of topics and filmmaking styles: from public affairs or social issues to more personal or experimental works. Particular topics of interest include social justice and civil rights, the economy, the environment, as well as arts and culture. In terms of style and format, narrated and non-narrated films are considered along with first person or point of view projects, observational films, and news documentaries.
Reel South is a cooperative documentary series between the South’s PBS-member stations: PBS North Carolina, South Carolina ETV, Alabama Public Television, Arkansas PBS, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, Texas Tech Public Media, and Virginia’s VPM. Support for Reel South is brought to audiences by the National Endowment for the Arts, Center for Asian American Media, and by SouthArts.
Recent films with a Louisiana focus include:
A Fine Girl, featuring Brandi Jarrow, a 27-year old trans woman of color from New Orleans who takes the personal and professional success she has achieved as a hairstylist, and works to open an inclusive luxury salon. The film is a joyful, optimistic portrait of what’s possible when we include and uplift trans people as essential contributors to our community. The film was co-Directed by Darcy McKinnon and Biliana Grozdanova.
Le Boulager, a documentary that tells the story of Francois Poupart and his wife who immigrated from Bordeaux, France to Lafayette, Louisiana in 1965 in search of a better life. They settle in Acadiana because of Lafayette’s connection to French culture and language. With Francois’ skills as a baker, they began a family business that today is still run by his son. The film was directed by Stanley Thomas.
The Basin examines decades of oil and gas infrastructure projects in Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin that have recklessly altered the flow of water across the wetlands, forcing fishermen to ask hard questions about the lack of permit enforcement. Development of the Bayou Bridge pipeline brings the fishermen’s concerns into sharp focus in an effort to save the Atchafalaya and their way of life.
Filmmakers based in the South are given priority but all films based set in the South will be eligible.
Submit your film via Submittable.
