Reel South announces new partnership to strengthen southern documentary filmmaking

The co-produced, PBS documentary series, Reel South, announces a newly formalized partnership with Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) aimed at strengthening the future of independent documentary filmmaking across the American South. The series is co-produced by South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV), PBS North Carolina and Louisiana Public Broadcasting.

The collaboration integrates filmmaker development, fiscal sponsorship, creative mentorship and public media distribution into a more unified and coordinated pipeline, creating clearer pathways for Southern filmmakers to bring their stories to national audiences.

Reel South 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. The new model strives to align regional storytellers with public media platforms. Through this partnership, SDF’s work supporting filmmakers will align more closely with Reel South’s editorial and distribution processes, ensuring stronger continuity from project development through potential broadcast.

SDF works to support documentary filmmakers and amplify stories rooted in the American South. The organization serves filmmakers across a 12-state Southern region, providing critical resources that help bring projects from concept to completion and distribution.

For filmmakers, the partnership offers increased visibility within public media, earlier editorial engagement and a stronger link between funding opportunities and distribution, expanding their capacity to produce and distribute content. For stations and funders, it represents a more coordinated approach to supporting Southern storytelling and investing in independent creators.

Learn more about Reel South and view films at reelsouth.org. The series will premiere its eleventh broadcast season on PBS beginning May 4.

“This partnership underscores the continued importance of public media as a platform for independent voices and Southern stories. It also reinforces the value of regional collaboration in elevating stories that resonate both locally and nationally.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell

“This partnership reflects the power of collaboration across public media and the independent filmmaking community. By strengthening the connection between creative development and distribution, stories from across the South continue to be shared with audiences nationwide.” –SCETV Director of National Content and Regional Operations Don Godish

“This partnership is about infrastructure. By formalizing and expanding our collaboration with SDF, we’re building something filmmakers can rely on and something funders can invest in with confidence.” –Reel South Series Producer Nick Price

“Our mission has always been to champion Southern documentary makers, and this integrated pipeline reinforces and expands the ecosystem that allows them to thrive.” –SDF Executive Director Clint Jukkala

FAST FACTS

• The co-produced, PBS documentary series, Reel South, announces a newly formalized partnership with the Southern Documentary Fund (SDF).
• The collaboration brings together filmmaker development, fiscal sponsorship, creative mentorship and public media distribution into a more unified and coordinated pipeline.
• The partnership increases filmmakers’ visibility and support, while giving stations and funders a more coordinated way to invest in Southern storytelling.
• Reel South is co-produced by SCETV, PBS North Carolina and Louisianna Public Broadcasting.
• Reel South will premiere its eleventh broadcast season on PBS beginning May 4.

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. Reel South aims to leverage our region’s rich storytelling tradition as a catalyst for positive change and deeper understanding— in the American South and beyond. Reel South is co-produced by PBS North Carolina, South Carolina ETV, and Louisiana Public Broadcasting and produced in association with Alabama Public Television, South Florida PBS, Tennessee Public Television Council and WABE.