Recent Talkback About Independent Lens

Always thought-provoking, sometimes controversial, Independent Lens brings you documentaries, dramas, shorts and Web-exclusive projects made by independent thinkers. Check out some of the recent Talkback from viewers about films that aired in March.

The Eyes of Me

“I was studying and watching this for inspiration for a research paper the other night, and found it gave me more inspiration than I could have ever imagined! I cried a number of times. I thank everyone in this film for shining light on a subject I was completely ignorant to before.”
Posted by: Sabrina on March 6, 2010

“I was just casually watching the Independent Lens Program about blind teenagers in Texas. My casual watching turned to anger when I saw how a young boy (Isaac) was allowed to go blind because the medical community could not find a way to do an emergency repair of Isaac’s detached retina. In the big, rich state of Texas, wasn’t there one person or organization that could have prevented Isaac from going blind?”
Posted by: James Stokely on March 5, 2010

“I came home late from work last night and watched this episode while eating dinner in front of the TV. This in itself is not unusual, but the tears I shed as the birthday girl reflected on her birthdays past were. I am a grown man and have little understanding of teenage girls feelings but I couldn’t help reflecting on my own b-days and how lucky I was. My wish for Denise is that she comes to find her place in this world and realizes that she is a beautiful, smart, fun girl who will make many friends in her life and have many b-days full of joy. I will think of her every time I blow out my own candles and wish her the best. Great episode!”
Posted by: Sherman on March 4, 2010

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Tags: blindness, disablity, education, high school, youth

Recent Talkback About Independent Lens

From Stephen Walker’s critical and box office smash Young@Heart to an in-depth look behind the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, this season Independent Lens is rolling out a powerful selection of films that cover a wide range of issues related to the music industry. Check out some of the recent Talkback from viewers about films airing this month.

Young@Heart

“I watched the documentary, Young@Heart, last week and was quite moved. The director has given a great gift to the people of North Hampton and around the world.”
Posted by: Roger Millnitz on January 17, 2010

“I am 51 and hope I have the vitality that these individuals do when I get up there in years. The one song that gets me every time is Fred’s tribute to Bob, ‘Fix You.’ It moves me every time.”
Posted by: Gail on January 17, 2010

“I am in my 70s and I loved this film. The segment where the group did a concert for the jail inmates young enough to be their grandchildren was just so touching to me that it brought tears to my eyes…”
Posted by: Christina on January 18, 2010

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Interested in music programs? Learn more about our month-long celebration of music >>

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Tags: hip hop, music, music month, sampling, senior citizens

Recent Talkback About Independent Lens

Always thought-provoking, sometimes controversial, Independent Lens brings you documentaries, dramas, shorts and Web-exclusive projects made by independent thinkers. Check out some of the recent Talkback from viewers about films airing this month.

POWER PATHS

“In viewing this documentary, hearing and seeing the damage to the people in this area, just reinforces my belief that we all need to work smarter and harder to change our economy from the disastrous path corporations have put us on.”
Posted by: Beverly Franco on November 10, 2009

“I have been searching for some kind of good from people and became very excited and happy (while also releived) when I saw last nights program about the renewable energy. Now I know what path to follow. I am so proud of the American Native Indians. They’ve always been the morally good human species. Thank you for beings such an inspiration.”
Posted by: Polarbear on November 8, 2009

“I was particularily moved by the comment ‘We are the United States of America. There is no absence of resources or technology for us not to do the right thing.’ This should be a mantra for all Americans to lead the world to do the right thing.”
Posted by: Dan Knockel on November 6, 2009

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Tags: cinematography, design, organ donation, renewable engery

Recent Talkback About Independent Lens This Month

Always thought-provoking, sometimes controversial, Independent Lens brings you documentaries, dramas, shorts and Web-exclusive projects made by independent thinkers. Check out some of the recent Talkback from viewers about films airing this month.

HERB & DOROTHY

“What an inspiring film! If the Vogels are ‘greedy,’ it is yet a selfless compulsion–the best kind–that recognizes beauty and the persons that grow with the art. And thanks to the filmmaker who persevered to tell this intimate, quirky story.”
Posted by: Cynthia Pon on October 15, 2009

“Congratulations to all: Herb and Dorothy for your beautiful collections and sharing your love of each other and your wonderful collections. PBS you did your viewers a great service by bringing us this magnificent presentation… It touched my heart as I am sure it did others. Thank you very much.”
Posted by: Nancy on October 14, 2009

“What an informative film, captivating. Thank you to the Vogels for sharing their story with all of us and especially for supporting artists for so many years. And thank you for the gift to the National Gallery of Art.”
Posted by: Patricia Macklin on October 14, 2009

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Tags: art, artists, mining, Montana

Recent Talkback About Independent Lens This Month

It’s hard to believe another season of Independent Lens has come to an end. Check out some of the recent Talkback from viewers about films airing this month. Share your own thoughts and stay tuned for the latest updates about the upcoming season.

ASK NOT

“Thank you for educating me about ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.’ I am a teenager, and if I understand the need for ALL Americans to have equal opportunities, why doesn’t congress?”
Posted by: Monique on June 18, 2009

“I am not gay but when I was in Vietnam and they were shooting at me, I did not care if the guy beside me helping shoot back was gay, green yellow or whatever. Get rid of DADT. The war took years from my life and now the taxes I pay are being wasted by putting highly trained people out of the military.”
Posted by: Kenneth Mostella on June 17, 2009

“I am a lifelong military dependant, married to a career Army Officer. Both my husband and I support the full inclusion of every eligible person willing to serve… The only point of contention I had was with the Right to Serve Campaign, which in my mind will do a disservice to the advancement of equal rights… These recruiters are legally bound by the limits of this ridiculous policy. Lets continue with the discourse, it’s only a matter of time.”
Posted by: Molly on June 17, 2009

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Tags: African American, gay, Military, women

Recent Talkback About Independent Lens This Month

Always thought-provoking, sometimes controversial, Independent Lens brings you documentaries, dramas, shorts and Web-exclusive projects made by independent thinkers. Check out some of the recent Talkback from viewers about films airing this month.

STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME:

“This was such an uplifting and touching story of a love that was truly meant to be. Despite the horror they endured and not knowing if they would stay alive long enough have a future together, they found each other again. The love and affection that they have for each other, even after 60+ years of marriage, renews my faith in love.”
Posted by: Abby Borgman on May 28, 2009

“What a beautiful love story in the midst of so much sadness. The mother of a friend of mine survived a concentration camp and was one of the sweetest, gracious ladies I knew growing up. I was too young at the time to realize what she must have gone through to survive and still have such a positive outlook on life everyday. Thank you for a very moving and uplifting story.”
Posted by: Cathy Sweeney on May 27, 2009

“Very, very moving! Loved Ina and Jack. This film gave a very different and more personal prospective of the Holocaust.”
Posted by: Michele Merrill on May 27, 2009

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Tags: Andes, gangs, Nazi

Recent Talkback About Independent Lens This Month

Always thought-provoking, sometimes controversial, Independent Lens brings you documentaries, dramas, shorts and Web-exclusive projects made by independent thinkers. Check out some of the recent Talkback.

TAKING ROOT:
The Vision of Wangari Maathai

“I have never felt such pride in my entire 36 years of life. I felt that this incredible story should be required viewing for children in all the world schools. To think that someone so unassuming and undervalued in that particular society, was capable of effecting such an epic change. Thank you PBS, for bringing this story to television. My 10 year old is getting a valued lesson in life from watching these programs with me.”
Posted by: Eurica on April 17, 2009

“I watched this beautiful, hope-inspiring, powerful story sitting upright on my bed with tears streaming down my face. It made me want to go out and start a grassroots women’s movement… It is just what we need. To use planting of trees and women as a spiritual focal point of the earths renewal, healing and protection; symbolically translating into personal renewal and healing, spreading to families, groups, communities and national pride.”
Posted by: Kathy Struewing on April 21, 2009

“This story is just what the world should be aware of at this time of economic, social, and political chaos. Keeping focus on what really matters in life is what this story teaches us.”
Posted by: Malia Cross on April 20, 2009

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RECYCLE:

“So much of our visual references to Muslims have come in disjointed clips on the evening news… I truly felt I was walking along beside this man and I so wanted to shake his hand and look him in the eye by the end of this film.”
Posted by: Harry Garvin on April 16, 2009

“At many instances the movie brought tears to my eyes. I think this story is presented more from a humanitarian perspective rather than religious conventions or beliefs. I am glad that, finally a movie such as this one was able to shed some light on the lives of people living that part of the world who are merely seeking to survive peacefully.”
Posted by: Raed on April 2, 2009

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Tags: Africa, environmental, Jordan, Mujahideen

Recent Talkback About Independent Lens This Month

Always thought-provoking, sometimes controversial, Independent Lens brings you documentaries, dramas, shorts and Web-exclusive projects made by independent thinkers. Check out some of the recent Talkback from viewers about films airing this month.

ADJUST YOUR COLOR:
The Truth of Petey Greene

“What an excellent documentary. In this age of political correctness, I doubt very much Petey Greene would have a voice on the radio let alone TV. Thank you PBS and Independent Lens. I always look forward to the pieces that are aired.”
Posted by: HJV on February 7, 2009

“I Tivo Independent Lens and watch it when I can. I can’t tell you have much you have ignited my soul with such an awe-inspiring documentary. Petey Greene jumps off the screen and into your heart. Truly Amazing!”
Posted by: Dick Burl on February 6, 2009

“I want to thank PBS for presenting this excellent documentary about Petey Greene. I grew up in a suburb of Detroit during the 60′s and never knew about Petey Greene growing up. I admire his being so outspoken during those turbulent times.”
Posted by: Ellen Tippit on February 5, 2009

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TULIA, TEXAS:

“I was appalled by the story. It is very scary to know this could happen anywhere. I believe the prison system needs an overhaul for anyone charged with a drug charge. At times, in this nation, you do get overzealous law enforcement officials that will do anything to get a promotion or move up within their law enforcement agency.”
Posted by: Carol Stevens on February 11, 2009

“I have never seen anything as sad as what happened and is still happening to the folks in Tulia. I’d like to know how many African Americans work at decent paying jobs there, like bank tellers or in policing or any other jobs that can make a man or woman feel proud of how they’re contributing to their community. I don’t think everyone that lives there is racist but I do think there is a ‘better than’ attitude amongst the people.”
Posted by: Sharon Lamont on February 11, 2009

“I saw this documentary and was shocked, I am grateful to the filmmakers to bring this mess to our attention. It makes you take a look at your own life and think. That could have been me or my son. Kudos to the attorney’s who gave these people back the lives and their families for having the conviction to stand by their loved ones side.”
Posted by: Robin on February 13, 2009

“Racism and segregation are alive and thriving. See Atlanta. See Memphis. What’s interesting is to compare African Americans’ struggle in Tulia post-agrarianism to blacks’ struggle in America post-slavery… Here we are today with a ‘black’ president whose house is within the jurisdiction with the highest child poverty rate and homeless rate in the country. And 2.0 million African Americans live there. Someone somewhere must find that perverse. Hats off to the filmmakers. Keep ‘em coming!”
Posted by: Paul Nizov on February 11, 2009

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Tags: African American, Petey Greene, Texas