PBS's 'P.O.V.' documentary series marks 20 years of making a point

For two decades, the PBS documentary series "P.O.V." has been resolute about living up to its title -- presenting films with a fiercely strong point of view. In turn, it receives its share of viewer feedback.

One particular letter has a place of honor in the office of Simon Kilmurry, director of the "P.O.V." producer, American Documentary Inc. It's from Christian entertainer Pat Boone about a 1999 film on a school prayer dispute. "I certainly wouldn't have a well-rounded, comprehensive view of the situation if not for you and the well-produced special," Boone wrote, then went on to detail his own differing point of view, Kilmurry said.

"I treasure the letter because he did exactly what we want people to do -- he gave us his personal reaction," Kilmurry said.

As "P.O.V." begins its 20th season this week with an Africa-to-America refugee story, "Rain in a Dry Land," the series is more important than ever as a haven for works unlikely to reach an audience elsewhere on TV or perhaps a wide audience anywhere.

"We think it's really important that 'P.O.V.' be a place in the media where there can be an examination of issues that may be marginalized elsewhere," he said.

"P.O.V." provided a stage for the early efforts of filmmakers that it correctly dubs "documentary superstars," including Errol Morris, Jonathan Demo, Michael Moore, and Freida Lee Mock. In doing so, it has picked up 18 Emmys and 11 Peabodys. The series also brought new attention to classic films including Albert and David Maysles's "Salesman," Fred Wiseman's "High School," and Mel Stuart's "Wattstax." Over the years, Kilmurry said, the focus has moved from topics such as AIDS (1993's "Silverlake Life" was one memorable "P.O.V." film on the crisis) to immigration, and has broadened since 9/11 to consider the global community and America's place in it.

The new season offers 16 projects, including "The Chances of the World Changing" (July 17), about a man's quest to rescue endangered turtles; "Prison Town, USA" (July 24), which examines the outcome of a California town's effort to revive its economy by building a prison, and "The Camden 28" (Sept. 11), a look back at a 1971 raid on a New Jersey draft board by Catholic activists protesting the Vietnam War. Documentaries from acclaimed directors, including Michael Apted's latest installment of his "7 Up" series, "49 Up" (Oct. 9), and Mock's "Wrestling With Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner" (Dec. 12), will wrap up the season.

"P.O.V." is marking its anniversary with a DVD collection of 15 titles that reflect the sweep of the 250 films the series has aired. The DVD includes "American Tongues" from the 1988 debut broadcast and this season's "The Chances of the World Changing."