After an exceptionally challenging year for public media, American Documentary has announced the 39th season of its flagship documentary series, POV on PBS, the nation’s longest-running documentary series. This upcoming season features six powerful films, fewer than in past years due to CPB funding cuts and other downstream funding reductions. We couldn’t be prouder that HALF of this select group was made with the support of Women Make Movies’ Production Assistance Program. We are also celebrating that 5 of the 6 films selected this season were directed by women!
The three films available to watch this season, in order of broadcast date, are:
THE GAS STATION ATTENDANT (dir. Karla Murthy and Rajal Pitroda)
Premieres August 3, 2026
Using intimately recorded phone calls and home movies, a daughter reflects on her father’s life, weaving together the story of his miraculous journey from the streets of India with the realities of building a life in America.
THE GAS STATION ATTENDANT received the Grand Jury Special Mention Award at Sheffield DocFest 2025. The film had its world premiere at Sheffield DocFest and also screened at festivals including DOC NYC 2025 and Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2025, among other festival appearances.
HOW TO BUILD A LIBRARY (dir. Maia Lekow and Christopher King)
Premieres August 24, 2026
Two intrepid Nairobi women set out to transform what was once a whites-only library until 1958 into a vibrant cultural hub. Along the way, they navigate local politics, raise millions for the rebuild, and confront the lingering legacy of Kenya’s colonial past.
HOW TO BUILD A LIBRARY premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2025 and went on to including CPH 2025, Thessaloniki Documentary Festival 2025, Docs Barcelona 2025, IDFA, Camden, and more.
ARREST THE MIDWIFE (dir. Elaine Epstein and Robin Hessman)
Premieres August 31, 2026
The arrest of trusted midwives ignites an unexpected rebellion as Amish and Mennonite women break from tradition and emerge as fierce political activists, joining the broader fight for reproductive justice.
ARREST THE MIDWIFE had its world premiere at SXSW 2025 and went on to be screened at DOC NYC 2025 and DC/DOX 2025, among other festival appearances.
These films, made with the support of our Program, exemplify powerful documentary storytelling and underscore the importance of investing in filmmakers who bring urgent stories to the screen. Women Make Movies recognizes the importance of public media and stands beside our friends at POV and PBS.
