About this season
Since its 1988 premiere, this critically acclaimed documentary series has presented hundreds of films that put a human face on contemporary social issues by relating a compelling story in an intimate fashion. "POV" has won virtually every major film and broadcasting award available, including 38 Emmys, 22 Peabody Awards and three Oscars.
Episodes (13)
1. When I Walk
Aired 23 June 2014 • 60 min
The Season 27 premiere features Jason DaSilva's "When I Walk," in which the filmmaker chronicles his life for five years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 25. By happenstance, a family member records the moment when the diagnosis hits home: while vacationing in the Caribbean, his legs give out. Yet, not all is bad: he meets Alice Cook, whose mother also has MS, at a support group. The two fall in love, marry and collaborate on completing the documentary.
2. American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs
Aired 30 June 2014 • 60 min
A profile of 98-year-old Grace Lee Boggs, a Chinese-American social activist in Detroit who has spent much of her adult life fighting for civil rights and female equality.
3. My Way to Olympia
Aired 7 July 2014 • 60 min
Filmmaker Niko von Glasow profiles participants at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, including a one-handed Norwegian table tennis player, the Rwandan sitting volleyball team, an American archer who uses his feet and a Greek paraplegic boccia player. Along the way, von Glasow—who was born with severely shortened arms—sees his preconceptions and stereotypes about the Paralympics and sports in general upended.
4. Getting Back to Abnormal
Aired 14 July 2014 • 60 min
The changed realities of post-Katrina New Orleans, including a population that is less African-American and less poor than before the storm, are examined in this documentary, which focuses on the 2010 re-election campaign of city councilwoman Stacy Head, a polarizing figure, and her aide, Barbara Lacen-Keller.
5. Dance for Me
Aired 21 July 2014 • 60 min
The world of professional ballroom dancing in Denmark, where participants often look beyond the country's borders for the perfect partner, is examined. The documentary follows Egor, a 15 year old from Russia, as he adjusts to life in Denmark and to his 14-year-old Danish partner, Mie.
6. Fallen City
Aired 28 July 2014 • 60 min
After Beichuan, China was destroyed in an earthquake, buildings are rebuilt more quickly than the community. Official Selection of Sundance 2013.
7. 15 to Life: Kenneth's Story
Aired 4 August 2014 • 60 min
The story of a 15-year old sentenced to four life sentences. Does society benefit from incarcerating young teens to a lifetime in prison?
8. A World Not Ours
Aired 18 August 2014 • 60 min
A family's experience living in a Lebanese refugee camp for multiple generations. Love and family are tinged with desperation. Official Selection of the 2013 Berlin International Film Festival.
9. Big Men
Aired 25 August 2014 • 60 min
Explorers the world of backroom negotiations and deal making in Ghana's oil business.
10. After Tiller
Aired 1 September 2014 • 60 min
The story of the four abortion doctors that remained in Wichita, Kansas after the assassination of George Tiller in 2009.
11. The Genius of Marian
Aired 8 September 2014 • 60 min
Pam White and her family struggle to retain her memories and life by recording their interactions in the face of an Alzheimer diagnoses.
12. Koch
Aired 22 September 2014 • 60 min
The mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989, Ed Koch fought crime and financial difficulties during a difficult period for the City of New York.
13. The Act of Killing
Aired 7 October 2014 • 60 min
Joshua Oppenheimer visits men accused of playing a key role in the killing of over one-million Indonesians in 1965. Initially, the men explain their actions as patriotic and necessary. But over time, some question their actions. 2013 Oscar nominee. 2014 BAFTA Best Documentary.