The acclaimed documentary series Doc World is set to return with a powerful new season, presenting a lineup of eight international films curated from PBS SoCal’s Link Voices collection. Presented by WORLD, the season promises timely and high-stakes stories offering compelling perspectives from across the globe.
The initial offerings delve into critical contemporary issues. Nina Chaudry, Executive Producer of WORLD, highlighted the significance of the opening films. “A film like And Still I Sing, which follows two Afghan women challenging long-standing societal norms in the final months before the Taliban’s return to power, sheds light on the risks women face in the region,” Chaudry stated. She emphasized that while each documentary originates from a different location, they explore universal themes designed to resonate with American audiences.
The spring season kicks off with And Still I Sing, chronicling the journey of Afghan pop star Aryana Sayeed as she mentors two young female contestants on the show Afghan Star. Their aspirations are abruptly challenged by the resurgence of the Taliban, forcing them into exile as women’s rights diminish in Kabul.
Following this, Flying Hands tells the inspiring story of a mother and daughter in Pakistan’s mountains working to break generations of silence within the deaf community. Aniqa, the mother, establishes a school for deaf youth, striving to create a future where they are heard and seen.
The subsequent weeks will feature diverse narratives:
- Someone Lives Here: This film follows Toronto carpenter Khaleel Seivwright’s initiative to build small shelters for the unhoused during the pandemic. His efforts gain international attention but face opposition from city officials, igniting a debate on compassion and the right to shelter.
- The Ants & the Grasshopper: Viewers travel to Malawi with farmer Anita Chitaya, whose village suffers from climate change effects. She journeys to the United States to exchange ideas with American farming communities and legislators, seeking solutions for her home.
- Searching for Amani: A 13-year-old aspiring journalist in Kenya investigates his father’s murder amid a devastating drought, uncovering a larger story about the human cost of environmental change.
- The Making of a Japanese: Expanding on an Oscar-nominated short, this documentary offers an intimate look inside a Tokyo public school, observing how young students learn discipline, empathy, and the balance between individualism and community.
- Narrow Path to Happiness: This film follows Gergo and Lenard, a young gay Roma couple who move to Budapest hoping to create a musical about their lives. A family death calls them back to their village, offering a chance for reconciliation with those who once disowned them.
- McCurry: The Pursuit of Color: The season concludes with an intimate portrait of renowned photojournalist Steve McCurry, exploring his complex 40-year career through footage shot across continents, revealing the drive behind the legendary artist.
PBS SoCal Sr. Director of Programming Dwayne Bright reflected on the impact of the Link Voices series over the past decade, noting its role in providing powerful human stories through award-winning international documentaries. “We are proud to partner with WORLD this season in order to give important cultural perspectives to new audiences with the power to bridge divides and facilitate conversation, understanding, and change on critical national and global issues,” Bright said.
The new season of Doc World begins its rollout on WORLD, YouTube, and the PBS app on May 4.
