–Invites Viewers to Honor Hispanic and Latino Culture Through Broadcast and Digital Programming–
ARLINGTON, VA; AUGUST 25, 2011— PBS is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2011 with a solid lineup of programming that entertains, informs and explores the culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
PBS’ celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month extends beyond the broadcast and onto pbs.org. PBS’ video player — where viewers can watch hours of free PBS programming online and on their own time — features an extensive lineup of programs honoring Latino culture.
GREAT PERFORMANCES reflects on the international career of popular tenor Plácido Domingo. Domingo, one of the most respected tenors of his generation, is also the director of the Los Angeles Opera and the Washington National Opera. In this documentary, Domingo discusses his favorite roles in opera houses around the world, from his debut in Ernani at Milan’s La Scala to his Spanish roots as Don Jose in Carmen. “Plácido Domingo: My Favorite Roles” premieres Friday, September 23, 2011, 9:00-10:30 p.m. ET on PBS.
On a visit to Patchogue, New York, learn how one community is addressing the underlying causes of hate crime. When a series of attacks led by a group of teenagers ends with the killing of 37-year-old Latino Marcelo Lucero, family members and residents work to ensure the safety and respect of their town. This powerful documentary informs viewers of the trauma associated with hate crimes, and encourages them to take a stand in its prevention. The full-length program is now available for viewing on PBS PressRoom. NOT IN OUR TOWN: LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS premieres Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET on PBS.
New programming is bolstered by a strong lineup of encore programming. The musical styles of Grammy Award-winners Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan and José Feliciano are among the featured musicians in IN PERFORMANCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE “Fiesta Latina.” Other highlights include captivating documentaries such as POV “The Ballad of Esequiel Hernandez” and INDEPENDENT LENS “Our Disappeared/Nuestros Desaparecidos.”
New Programming
GREAT PERFORMANCES “Plácido Domingo: My Favorite Roles” Friday, September 23, 2011, 9:00-10:30 p.m. ET on PBS Hispanic Heritage Month Programming (check local listings)
Plácido Domingo, one of the most popular and celebrated tenors of his generation, looks back and reflects on his favorite roles in opera houses around the world.
NOT IN OUR TOWN: LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET on PBS Hispanic Heritage Month Programming (check local listings)
The residents of a Long Island village take action after a local immigrant is killed in an attack by seven teenagers. While starkly revealing the trauma of hate, this powerful documentary encourages viewers to take action and prevent intolerance from turning into violence.
Encore Programming
INDEPENDENT LENS “Our Disappeared/Nuestros Desaparecidos” Hispanic Heritage Month Programming (check local listings)
Director Juan Mandelbaum returns to his native Argentina to discover what happened to friends and loved ones who “disappeared” during the 1976-1983 military dictatorships there.
IN PERFORMANCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE “Fiesta Latina” Friday, September 30, 2011, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET on PBS Hispanic Heritage Month Programming (check local listings)
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama host a White House concert in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
LOS LONELY BOYS COTTONFIELDS AND CROSSROADS Hispanic Heritage Month Programming (check local listings)
Three Mexican-American brothers from Texas create a signature music style they call “Texican.”
POV “The Ballad of Esequiel Hernandez” Hispanic Heritage Month Programming (check local listings)
Tommy Lee Jones narrates the tale of a young man mistaken for a drug runner and killed by U.S. Marines patrolling the Texas-Mexico border.
POV “Calavera Highway” Hispanic Heritage Month Programming (check local listings)
Two Mexican-American men reunite with five brothers and try to piece together their family’s shattered history.
THE STORM THAT SWEPT MEXICO Hispanic Heritage Month Programming (check local listings)
This film tells the epic story of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Fueled by the Mexican people’s growing dissatisfaction with an elitist ruling regime, the revolution was led by two of the most intriguing and mythic figures in 20th-century history — Emiliano Zapata and Francisco “Pancho” Villa.
About PBS
PBS, with its nearly 360 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches 124 million people through television and 20 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.
– PBS –
CONTACTS: Clare Bender, PBS, 703-739-8681; cmbender@pbs.org
Gabriel Reyes, Reyes Entertainment, 512-686-1488; Gabriel@reyesentertainment.com
For images and additional up-to-date information on this and other PBS programs, visit PBS PressRoom at pbs.org/pressroom.