Join Us for Independent Lens Pop-Up Screenings
Award-winning documentaries hosted at WQED Learning Neighborhood Partners
WQED’s Education Team invites you to a series of pop-up, in-person screenings featuring the new season of Independent Lens, PBS’s acclaimed documentary series showcasing bold, independent filmmaking.
Airing weekly and streaming nationwide, Independent Lens presents curated films that highlight diverse stories, personal journeys, and timely social issues—often amplifying voices underrepresented in mainstream media. With support from Independent Lens, WQED is bringing these powerful films directly into the community through special pop-up screenings.
Produced by ITVS (Independent Television Service), Independent Lens is often described as an “independent film festival in your living room,” sparking conversation and connection through compelling storytelling.
Screener Locations
Ordered by date and month:
The Librarians at Carnegie Free Library of McKeesport – February 6, 2026 at 11AM
The Inquisitor at Carnegie One Braddock – February 21, 2026 at 12PM
The Inquisitor at Carnegie One Braddock – February 25, 2026 at 6PM
The Inquisitor at BF Jones Memorial Library – March 23, 2026 at 5:30PM
The Librarians at BF Jones Memorial Library – April 20, 2026 at 5:30PM
The Librarians at Carnegie One Braddock – April 22, 2026 at 6PM
The Grocery List Show at Burgettstown Community Library – April 23, 2026 at 4PM
The Librarians at Eva K. Bowlby Public Library – April 24, 2026 at 7:30PM
The Librarians at Carnegie One Braddock – April 25, 2026 at 12PM
Interested in Hosting a Screening? How to Bring Independent Lens to Your Community!
Existing WQED Learning Neighborhood Partners who are interested in hosting one of these screeners at their space only need to fill out the LN Partner Form and submit an event. If you need the link to this form contact education@wqed.org
If you are not a Learning Neighborhood Partner but would like to host one of these screeners at your space, please email education@wqed.org
How to Watch Independent Lens
In addition to the pop-up screenings, viewers can watch:
- WQED+ and PBS Platforms
Stream full episodes on the Independent Lens website and on WQED+, available on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and more. - Local Broadcast on WQED
For specific broadcasts, see below.
Film Descriptions
The Librarians
By Kim A. Snyder (director/producer), Janique L. Robillard (producer), Maria Cuomo Cole (producer), and Jana Edelbaum (producer)
- Screening Window: January 26 – March 9, 2026 + April 19 – 25, 2026 (National Library Week)
- Trailer: 30 sec and 90 sec
- PBS Premiere: Monday, February 9, 2026
- PBS Passport & WQED+: February 9, 2026 – February 8, 2029
- WQED Premiere: Monday, February 9, 2026 | 10PM
Description: When Texas lawmakers seek to review a list of books, librarians find themselves on the frontlines of a national battle. Across the U.S., librarians face the impact of uniting against library collection standards that include restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content. Drawing on historical context, The Librarians explores the broader implications for education and public life.
The Inquisitor
By Angela Tucker (director/producer), Trevite Willis (producer), and Moira Griffin (producer)
- Screening Window: February 16 – March 30, 2026
- Trailer Available: 30 sec
- PBS Premiere: Monday, February 23, 2026
- PBS Passport & WQED+: February 23, 2026 – February 22, 2029
Description: Explore the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan in The Inquisitor. Jordan was a groundbreaking Texas congresswoman whose sharp intellect and moral clarity transformed U.S. politics. From Nixon’s impeachment to civil rights battles, her voice demanded accountability, while she privately faced struggles few ever knew of.
The Tallest Dwarf
By Julie Forrest Wyman (director/producer), Jonna McKone (producer), Lindsey Dryden (producer), and Shaleece Haas (producer)
- Screening Window: March 23 – May 4, 2026
- PBS Premiere: Monday, April 6, 2026
- PBS Streaming Window: April 6, 2026 – July 4, 2026
Description: The Tallest Dwarf follows filmmaker Julie Forrest Wyman as she searches for her place in the little people community and unpacks rumors of dwarfism in her own family. Through intimate stories, creative collaborations, and archival history, the film delves into identity and medicine, asking whether society should change people or the structures that limit them.
The Grocery List Show
By Emily Strong (director/producer) and Diane M. Quon (producer)
- Screening Window: April 20 – June 1, 2026
- Trailer Available: March 26, 2026
- PBS Premiere: Streaming already!
- Free Streaming on PBS and PBS Food YouTube: Now – May 27, 2030
Description: Hosted by Top Chef contender Chrissy Camba, The Grocery List Show is a trip to five bustling international grocery stores in America and the communities they serve. Special guests and food enthusiasts join Chrissy to shop for ingredients and cook a favorite family recipe, as they celebrate global food traditions over a shared meal.