The documentary series Reel South returns for its eleventh season, premiering new films that spotlight powerful Southern stories shaped by lived experience and creative expression. In addition to the national release on public television stations and streaming on the PBS App, Reel South’s eleventh season will also be available on the South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) website and on the Reel South YouTube channel. Viewers outside of South Carolina are encouraged to check their local public television station listings for broadcast airdates.
The season premieres locally on May 10 at 9 p.m. on ETV with Night in West Texas, a film that reexamines a 1981 murder conviction, uncovering decades of prejudice within the justice system. Throughout the season, the films follow individuals and communities who transform personal experience into action, whether confronting injustice, sparking dialogue around gun violence or protecting natural resources on Native land.
Season 11 continues Reel South’s tradition of highlighting storytelling through film, music and art as a means of fostering understanding and connection. The season also features a collection of short films, including several recipients of the Reel South Short Award, showcasing emerging voices from across the region.
These titles, set to air in season 11, will premiere both on broadcast and online:
- Night in West Texas (May 10)
- Louder Than Guns (May 17)
- Drowned Land (May 25)
- Shorts: Discount Funeral and No se ve desde acá (June 8)
- Shorts: Jan Beauboeuf: The Creative Spirit, Police Dive and Teddy (June 14)
- Shorts: Boil That Cabbage Down, Red Sands and George V (June 21)
Reel South is a co-production of PBS North Carolina, SCETV and Louisiana Public Broadcasting and is produced in association with Alabama Public Television, South Florida PBS, Tennessee Public Television Council and WABE, with fiscal and organizational support from Southern Documentary Fund.
Learn more about Reel South and view films from prior seasons at reelsouth.org.
QUOTES
“Season 11 of Reel South highlights the power of storytelling as a catalyst for understanding and change. These films reflect the voices and experiences shaping communities across the South, offering audiences meaningful perspectives on complex issues. SCETV is proud to continue this collaboration to help bring these compelling stories to viewers nationwide.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Reel South continues to elevate authentic voices and bold storytelling from across the region. This season’s films explore deeply personal journeys while addressing broader social themes, demonstrating the impact of documentary filmmaking in sparking dialogue and connection. It remains a privilege to work alongside our partners to support filmmakers and share their work with audiences everywhere.” –SCETV Director of National Content and Regional Operations Don Godish
FAST FACTS
- The documentary series Reel South is premiering new films as part of its eleventh season.
- The series is co-produced by PBS North Carolina, SCETV and Louisiana Public Broadcasting.
- In addition to the national release on public television channels and streaming in the PBS App, Reel South’s eleventh season will also be available on the SCETV website and on the Reel South YouTube channel.
- Learn more about Reel South and view films from prior seasons at reelsouth.org.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About Reel South
Reel South is a PBS documentary series that showcases authentic and inspiring stories that unearth the spirit of the South today. With every film, the series explores the multifaceted layers of Southern life across themes of social justice, cultural experience, environmental challenges and more. For more information on Reel South, visit reelsouth.org.
Media Contacts
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
Reel South
Nick Price
Series Producer
nick@reelsouth.org
Documentary series Reel South shares new films with audiences nationwide (PDF)
