FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 8/25/2026 — PBS North Carolina celebrates the work of local filmmakers with a robust lineup of documentaries about the impact of the arts, education and Hurricane Helene. Films will air on PBS NC as well as stream online and on the free PBS app beginning September 10.
“PBS North Carolina’s mission is rooted in a commitment to local storytelling. We strongly believe in elevating voices from across North Carolina and sharing diverse stories of hope and resilience,” said James Mieczkowski, program development producer. “This fall, we continue to honor those affected by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina while celebrating the vital role art and education play in shaping our communities and preserving culture.”
The Bowl (September 10) follows North Carolina students as they prepare for the National High School Ethics Bowl. Our Community School (September 10) looks at a community-focused elementary school in eastern North Carolina. Asheville Forever and the shorts anthology Watermark (both September 24) examine a region forever changed by Hurricane Helene. Minnie Evans: Draw or Die (October 1) tells the remarkable story of eastern North Carolina artist Minnie Evans. Additional films will premiere through December.
Each year, PBS North Carolina distributes more than 3,000 hours of locally produced content—including documentaries by independent filmmakers—on its over-the-air channels and streaming platforms.
“The local films we’re presenting this fall came to us through our online submission portal, which serves as an open door for storytellers to connect with public media,” said Mieczkowski. “We encourage filmmakers to see PBS North Carolina as a creative collaborator and trusted partner, and we look forward to seeing these relationships—and this work—continue to flourish and grow.”
To learn more about PBS North Carolina’s content submission process, visit pbsnc.org/submissions.
Broadcast Schedule
More local documentaries will be added at a later date. Visit pbsnc.org/schedule for the most up-to-date information.
The Bowl
Premieres Thursday, September 10, 10–10:30 PM, on PBS NC
Six North Carolina students and their teacher prepare for the National High School Ethics Bowl at UNC-Chapel Hill. Through discussion, debate and teamwork, the students learn to examine difficult moral issues, strengthen their critical thinking and find their voice.
Our Community School
Premieres Thursday, September 10, 10:30–11 PM, on PBS NC
Explore a year in the life of P.W. Moore Elementary, a community school in Elizabeth City named after an inspiring educator. Through the experiences of students, teachers and families, discover how education, support and community connection can transform lives.
This film was made possible with support from EducationNC.
A Life Reimagined: The George Masa Story (encore presentation)
Thursday, September 17, 10–11:30 PM, on PBS NC
The inspiring and mysterious story of Japanese photographer George Masa, his passion for the Appalachian Mountains and his role in founding Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A winding road and decades of research finally reveal the secrets that followed him to his grave in 1933.
This film was produced by Bonesteel Films in association with PBS North Carolina. Funding for the film was provided in part by Explore Asheville, Foundation For The Carolinas, North Carolina Humanities, Pickering Family Trust, Community Foundation of Henderson County, Perry Rudnick Fund, Omni Grove Park Inn, Smokies Life, Friends of the Smokies, Carlyle Adams Foundation and others. For a complete list of funders, visit georgemasa.com/contributors. Watch film >
Asheville Forever
Premieres Thursday, September 24, 10–10:30 PM, on PBS NC
Residents in a western North Carolina community navigate loss, recovery and an uncertain future after Hurricane Helene’s devastating flooding. Through personal stories of resilience and rebuilding, explore what it means to stay rooted in a region increasingly impacted by climate change.
Watermark
Premieres Thursday, September 24, 10:30–11 PM, on PBS NC
Explore life in western North Carolina two years after Hurricane Helene in three short documentaries by students at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media. Through stories of recovery, forgiveness and resilience, the films follow individuals rebuilding their homes, livelihoods and connections to the communities they call home.
Minnie Evans: Draw or Die
Premieres Thursday, October 1, 10–11 PM, on PBS NC
Trace the life and work of Minnie Evans, a self-taught African American artist from Wilmington, NC, whose spiritual, dreamlike visions were transformed into vivid works of art she said were from "The Lost World." Evans' extraordinary talent eventually earned recognition internationally, cementing her place as an influential figure in American art.
Art of the State
Premieres November on PBS NC
A look at three extraordinary North Carolina artists working across diverse mediums and communities. Through intimate studio visits and conversations, this film explores the people, places and creative processes behind their work, revealing how art reflects the state’s culture and transforms how we see the world.
We Lift Each Other
Premieres November on PBS NC
Follow the Raleigh-based Black Box Dance Theatre as it partners with veterans in Asheville to explore healing through modern dance. Working with veterans, active-duty military families and individuals living with PTSD, the film reveals how movement, creativity and community can foster resilience, connection and recovery from trauma.
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, Rootle PBS KIDS, the Explorer Channel and the North Carolina 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.
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Media Contact
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