2018 American Documentary Annual Gala

Join us as we celebrate over three decades of supporting bold documentaries and documentarians for the public good. The evening kicks off with a VIP cocktail party where guests can mix and mingle with award-winning POV filmmakers and get an exclusive first look at upcoming projects. The gala continues with industry influencers, philanthropists and film lovers celebrating the spirit of indie cinema over dancing, music, free-flowing food and drinks and an interactive exhibition showcasing the best and boldest in nonfiction storytelling.

Program Schedule

6:30 p.m. VIP Cocktail Pre-reception 

7:30 p.m. Benefit Gala 

About POV

POV (a cinema term for "point of view") is television's longest-running showcase for independent nonfiction films. POV films are known for their timeliness, intimacy, and their unforgettable storytelling. Since 1988, POV has presented over 400 films to public television audiences across the country: on air, online and in community venues.  

Host Committee

Pamela & Peter Barbey • Kimberly Cantor • Abigail Disney • Margaret Drain

Fred Dust & David Young • Wendy Ettinger • Nancy Lynn & James Keach

Susan Margolin • Cindy Meehl & Alice Henty • SJ Murray

Kate Oppenheim & Ari Kuschnir • Chris & Nancy Plaut • Abby Pucker

Robert Raben & Heidi Nel • Gini Reticker & Jerry Kupfer • Brenda Robinson

Neal Shapiro • Carolyn Strauss • Ann Tenenbaum & Thomas H. Lee

William Charles Uricchio • Marc Weiss & Nancy Meyer 

Gold Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Chicago Media Project • FilmRise • PBS

Partner Organizations

Hartley Media Impact Initiative at Auburn • Fledgling Fund

The Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation • Rogovy Foundation

Board of Directors

Margaret Drain, Chair • Michael Isip, Vice Chair • John Bredar, Secretary

Chris Plaut, Treasurer • Anjali Kumar • John Limotte • Neal Shapiro •

Carolyn Strauss • Joi Thomas • Beth Viner • Ann Tenenbaum, Emeritus

POV Presenting Stations

KQED San Francisco • WGBH Boston • WNET New York Public Media

Media Sponsors

WNYC • WBEZ • WHYY

Sponsorship & Advertising Opportunities

Find out how you can be a part of this special evening, to amplify diverse independent voices and help keep meaningful storytelling alive.

For more information, contact mmarquez@pov.org.