AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange Season 16 Highlights Narrative Features

AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange, the esteemed series created by Black Public Media (BPM) and WORLD, announced the premiere of its 16th season set for Monday, April 1. Renowned for its impactful documentaries, the series transforms this season, emerging as the public media hub for both documentary and narrative films centered on the global Black experience. Alongside narratives chronicling struggles for criminal and environmental justice in America, this season puts a spotlight on Kenya with two award-winning narrative films celebrating redemption and resilient joy. AfroPoP debuts on WORLD, the WORLD YouTube Channel, the Black Public Media YouTube channel, and the PBS App, with new episodes airing weekly on WORLD through April 22. PBS Plus will distribute the series to PBS affiliate public television stations across the nation starting April 1.

Executive Produced by BPM Executive Director Leslie Fields-Cruz and WORLD Editor and Chief Chris Hastings

The series is helmed by BPM Executive Director Leslie Fields-Cruz and WORLD (at GBH) Editor and Chief Chris Hastings. Denise A. Greene serves as series director/producer, with Carol Bash as series associate producer and Ashton Pina as the series writer.

Expanding the Narrative

“Beginning this season, AfroPoP expands to also include narrative features, ensuring that filmmakers have multiple ways to capture the breadth of Black stories and issues,” said Fields-Cruz.

Since its debut in 2008, AfroPoP has presented 91 feature and short films spotlighting narratives from across the African diaspora. Notable directors include George Amponsah, Joel Zito Araújo, Violeta Ayala, Blitz Bazawule, Yaba Blay, Barron Claiborne, Rebecca Richman Cohen, Bobbito Garcia, Alain Gomis, Thomas Allen Harris, Eric Kabera, Terence Nance, Raoul Peck, Sam Pollard, Michèle Stephenson, and Marco Williams.

Embracing Diverse Voices

“AfroPoP is more than just a series; it’s a vibrant tapestry that stitches together the voices of marginalized communities, offering a platform for stories that are too often overlooked,” shared Hastings. “In partnership with Black Public Media, with AfroPoP, we continue to push boundaries, finding innovative ways to connect audiences with content that reflects their lives and experiences.”

Highlight Films of Season 16

Commuted by Nailah Jefferson: Chronicles Danielle Metz’s journey as she is released from prison by President Obama after spending half her life behind bars. Premiered during Second Chance Month, the film portrays Metz’s challenges as she returns to her New Orleans home.
Supa Modo by Likarion Wainaina: A magical tale follows Jo, a terminally ill Kenyan girl, and her community as they help her realize her dream of becoming a superhero.
Kati Kati by Mbithi Masya: An Afrofuturistic narrative set in Kenya, exploring the mysteries of life and death in a supernatural realm.
Freedom Hill by Resita Cox: Offers a glimpse into Princeville, North Carolina, the first American town chartered by formerly enslaved Black people, as it battles recurrent floods.

Accessibility and More Information

AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange is available for viewing on WORLD’s YouTube channel and all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS Video app. The program can be accessed on various platforms such as iOS, Android, Roku streaming devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, and VIZIO. PBS Plus will extend the season to additional public television stations across the nation (check local listings). For further details about AfroPoP, visit WORLD YouTube Channel or the Black Public Media YouTube Channel.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

ABOUT BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA

Black Public Media (BPM) is dedicated to nurturing visionary content creators and distributing stories that highlight the global Black experience, inspiring a more equitable and inclusive future. With over 44 years of experience, BPM addresses the needs of unserved and underserved audiences, delivering impactful programs that have garnered numerous awards. For more information, visit blackpublicmedia.org and follow BPM on Instagram and Facebook, and @BLKPublicMedia on X.

ABOUT WORLD

WORLD shares compelling public media content in news, documentaries, and programming, amplifying the voices of those often overlooked by mainstream media. Its original series delve into diverse issues and cultures from around the globe, garnering acclaim for their diversity and quality. For more details, visit WORLDChannel.org.

ABOUT PBS PLUS

PBS Plus is a syndicated programming service for public television stations, supplementing primetime, daily news, and children’s content in the National Program Service. Offering a range of series and specials for various dayparts, PBS Plus seeks programs with national and regional appeal that complement PBS’s National Program Service. For more information, visit the PBS Plus website.

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Tags: Afropop, Black Public Media, cultural exchange, public television, pubs, world

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.