2018 American Documentary Annual Gala

Celebrating Over Three Decades of Excellence and Impact

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

Sage Foundation Logo

Bronze Sponsors

Chicago Media ProjectFilmRise • 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.

Loading...