Tag Archives: ugly betty

Celebrate Diversity with America Ferrera & Independent Lens

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IL host reminds us that everyday is heritage day

There is a heritage or history month for practically every ethnicity, race, and identity. Throughout February, we on BTB have been highlighting documentaries by and about filmmakers of color, in honor of Black History Month. From NBPC’s AfroPop Series to the Independent Lens doc When I Rise featuring the legendary opera singer Barbara Smith Conrad.

Now, Independent Lens host America Ferrera reminds us to celebrate diversity on a daily basis. Know your roots and history, and join with others to celebrate theirs, every Tuesday at 10 PM on PBS.

Happy Holidays From America Ferrera

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Host America Ferrera and Independent Lens wish you a happy winter holiday season! Stay tuned for our stellar 2011 lineup of documentaries each week on Independent Lens. For now, stay safe and have a wonderful New Year!

What’s Your Bumper Sticker Philosophy?

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The Parking Lot Movie premieres Tuesday night on Independent Lens

It’s the day before the premiere of another prime slate of films from Independent Lens. The season opener launches tomorrow night at 10 PM (check local listings) with the cult-favorite, The Parking Lot Movie.

Enjoy first-time director Meghan Eckman’s philosophical tutorial about life, humanity, and class – all reduced to one parking lot in Charlotseville, Virginia.

We’ve even launched a new game to whet the appetite for Tuesday’s premiere. Take the bumper sticker quiz and discover a slogan that is truly you. Remember, Americans wear their emotions on their sleeves and their personalities on their back bumpers.

Enjoy the game and warm up for Tuesday night’s season premiere of Independent Lens, with host America Ferrera.

The Parking Lot Movie is one of a handful of Independent Lens films available for download on iTunes, the day after broadcast. Click here for more information.

Ferrera Waxes Enthusiastic about New IL Season

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America Ferrera

America Ferrera, the host of the upcoming season of Independent Lens did us proud in Entertainment Weekly’s PopWatch column today. In it she hinted that she might like to get involved in a documentary project in the near future, and also revealed which two films coming up in this Independent Lens season are her personal favorites (we’re not telling, go see for yourself!).

Here’s an excerpt from the interview to whet your appetite, then click through for the whole article:

Ferrera: I have been a part of many independent projects, and I feel kinship with independent filmmakers, and I love documentaries. I feel that this is a really wonderful thing, that PBS Continue reading →

Announcing the Sixth Season of Community Cinema

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Community Cinema returns for its sixth season with nine compelling documentaries from this year’s lineup on Independent Lens. The free screening series, which begins in October, connects thousands with community-based organizations in more than 70 cities nationwide and online.

Check out America Ferrera, the new host of Independent Lens, singing the praises of our Community Cinema series:

Community Cinema screens films monthly Continue reading →

America Ferrera Announced as New Host of Independent Lens

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BTB is thrilled to announce that America Ferrera will guide viewers through the 2010/2011 season of Independent Lens, premiering Tuesday, October 19th. She joins the distinguished company of former Independent Lens presenters, including: Susan Sarandon, Terrence Howard, Edie Falco, Angela Bassett, Don Cheadle, and most recently Maggie Gyllenhaal.

“We’re so pleased to welcome America Ferrera as the host for the ninth season of Independent Lens,” said series producer Lois Vossen. “America is one of the most vibrant young talents working in film today. The characters she has played — from Betty Suarez in Ugly Betty to Ana Garcia in Real Women Have Curves — are fully human, risk-taking women who inspire us with their ability to embrace life and all its challenges. It is in that spirit we embrace America’s new role as the host of Independent Lens, a diverse and fiercely independent film series.”

“I’m honored to be hosting this wonderful series of independent documentaries,” said America Ferrera. “ I love independent film Continue reading →