Spotlight Series
The Kansas City PBS Spotlight Series is a free event series featuring local documentaries and national PBS programming paired with engaging panel discussions, performances and more. The event series is designed to bring diverse stories to the forefront, foster community and spark meaningful conversations, bringing communities together, one story at a time.
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Explore Previous Spotlight Events
Kansas City PBS’ ‘En La Sala’ Performance and Discussion
Kansas City PBS Spotlight Series
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Videos
Kansas City PBS
Kansas City PBS’ ‘En La Sala’ Performance and Discussion
Kansas City PBS
Kansas City PBS’ ‘Get Lost!’ Screening
Kansas City PBS
Kansas City PBS 'Leonardo da Vinci' Screening
Gallery: Past Events
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The "We Are Latinos" Screening was held at the Plexpod Westport Commons in October 2022, where the community, local vendors and filmmaker Victor Antillanca came together to celebrate Latino culture. The "We Are Latinos" Screening was not just an event, it was a celebration of culture, connection and the power of community.
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Members of the community gather at the "AIDS in KC" Screening in June 2023 to honor the lives of those affected by the Kansas City AIDS epidemic in the late 1980s and early 90s. Guests were invited to stop by a gallery of archival photos and articles from the Gay and Lesbian Archive of Mid-America and check out a photo series created by filmmaker Sandy Woodson.
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"AIDS in KC" panelists moderated by "AIDS in KC" filmmaker Sandy Woodson. Following the screening, the panel dove deeper into the impact of the AIDS epidemic on Kansas City. Many attendees took the opportunity to ask the panelists questions about the crisis, showing their compassion and remorse regarding the horrific events.
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The "American Buffalo" Screening, hosted in November 2023, included a film preview, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Mary Sanchez and featured filmmakers, Julianna Brannum and Julie Dunfey, alongside Haskell Indian Nations University Professor Jimmy Beason.
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A large audience gathered in February 2024 at the Gem Theater in Kansas City’s Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District for a screening of "GOSPEL" by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
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Following the screening of "GOSPEL", a panel, moderated by Kansas City PBS' Social Media Coordinator Ieshia Downton, discussed the film and the power of the genre. The panel featured "GOSPEL" filmmaker and director Stacey Holman, Graceway Church Executive Pastor of Ministries and Grammy-nominated singer Brandon Estelle and award-winning singer and TV personality Lynda Randle.
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The "GOSPEL" screening included performances from Kami Woodard, director of music at Friendship Baptist Church, named 2023’s Best Gospel Artist by the Kansas City People’s Choice Awards.
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The "Get Lost!" Screening, held in March of 2024, featured a film preview in the Kansas City PBS Living Room. "Get Lost!" transcends the typical travel show; it’s a captivating journey where the destination is just the beginning. This pilot episode promises surprises, hidden treasures and personal discoveries.
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Concluding the "Get Lost!" event was a lively discussion with filmmakers, Michael Mackie and Lonita Cook, moderated by Shawn Edwards. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, mocktails, and light bites provided by Chef Jennifer Leblanc. Each guest received a bag full of "Get Lost!" themed goodies and some left with fun raffle prizes.