PBS North Carolina Announces Its Summer Slate of Documentaries
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PBS NORTH CAROLINA ANNOUNCES ITS SUMMER SLATE OF DOCUMENTARIES
Films include the fascinating story of pro wrestling at Dorton Arena and profiles of NC playwright Paul Green and former state senator Charlie Albertson.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 7/10/2024 — PBS North Carolina announces the premiere of three locally produced, independent documentaries this summer. The Playmaker: The Story of Paul Green (premiering July 11)explores thesocially conscious work of the North Carolina writer best known for the play The Lost Colony. The Singing Senator (July 25) is a profile of Charlie Albertson, a country music singer-songwriter and one of the longest-serving state senators in North Carolina history. When Giants Walked Here (August 8)follows the meteoric rise and heartbreaking fall of pro wrestling at Raleigh’s iconic Dorton Arena.
All three filmswill air on PBS NC and the North Carolina Channel as well as stream online and on the free PBS App.
“PBS North Carolina is an exceptional platform for centering North Carolina stories,” says Chief Content and Marketing Officer Laura Kieler. “Our viewers are passionate about North Carolina, and what better way to connect them to our state’s rich history and culture than through the work of local filmmakers. We’re proud to bring these engaging documentaries to a broader audience both on air and online.”
As a statewide network reaching over 14 million viewers, PBS North Carolina serves the third largest public media market in the U.S. The network reaches 2.4 million broadcast viewers and garners 630,000 streaming views monthly. Each year, PBS North Carolina provides more than 3,000 hours of locally produced content about the state’s people, places and culture on its over-the-air channels and streaming platforms, from long-running shows like NC Weekend and My Home, NC to documentaries by independent filmmakers.
“You might wonder what pro wrestling, a country music-playing politician and a Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright have in common, but the answer is simple: North Carolina,” says Program Development Producer James Mieczkowski. “These captivating stories are a true reflection of the interests of our audience and a testament to the region’s deep pool of talented filmmakers.”
On Tuesday, August 6, at 7 PM, join PBS North Carolina at The Rialto theater in downtown Raleigh for an exclusive preview screening of When Giants Walked Here. Following the screening, the filmmakers - Cliff Bumgardner and Chris Lea - will host a discussion and Q&A open to all. For more info and to register for this free in-person event, visit eventbrite.com.
Broadcast Schedule
Visit pbsnc.org/schedule for the most up-to-date information on airdates and times.
The Playmaker: The Story of Paul Green
Directed by Hannah Bowman, a filmmaker based in Kentucky
Premieres Thursday, July 11, 10–11:30 PM, on PBS NC
This documentary takes a deep dive into the life, creative work and social justice advocacy of the renowned playwright Paul Green. A native son of North Carolina and a champion for racial equality, Green went to Broadway and back with a dream that someday he could write a new ending for the Old South. Although he’s best known for the historical drama The Lost Colony, Green won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1927 for In Abraham’s Bosom, the first Pulitzer Prize winner about the Black experience.
The Singing Senator
Directed by Denver Hollingsworth, a filmmaker based in Wilmington
Premieres Thursday, July 25, 10–10:30 PM, on PBS NC
This film tells the life story of Charlie Albertson, from his successful career as a country music singer-songwriter to becoming one of the longest-serving state senators in North Carolina. This film catches up with him at age 91 as he continues to write and record music, driven by a passion to create positive change.
When Giants Walked Here
Directed by Cliff Bumgardner, a filmmaker based in Raleigh
Premieres Thursday, August 8, 10–11 PM, on PBS NC
Raleigh’s Dorton Arena is famed the world over for its groundbreaking architecture. Its greatest untold legacy, however, is its place in the history of a Southern mainstay: pro wrestling. This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of pro wrestling at the iconic venue, examining its impact on generations of fans, competitors and the sport itself.
About PBS North Carolina
As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
-PBS NC-
Media Contact
Allyson Meade, Marketing & Communications
PBS North Carolina
press@pbsnc.org