“Citizen Filmmakers” - It’s time to take THE TERRITORY, the longest running showcase of independent film on PBS, to the next level. Before the internet, this show was one of the only places where independent short, experimental, documentary and narrative films could be seen by the public.
It’s time to take THE TERRITORY, the longest running showcase of independent film on PBS, to the next level.
About this project
THE TERRITORY is on a mission and we need you. Since 1977, we’ve broadcast 35 seasons of short films as a space for filmmakers from all over the world to innovate, experiment and create new work.
We’re out to revitalize and expand THE TERRITORY so that we can increase support to the filmmakers involved and open the show up to a whole new generation of artists and audiences.
We need your help.
In 1977, filmmaker James Blue envisioned a world where anyone could make films. He would come to call these artists “Citizen Filmmakers.” He created an outlet where these films could be seen by a wide audience through the PBS series, THE TERRITORY. Before the internet, this show was one of the only places where independent short, experimental, documentary and narrative films could be seen by the public.
Now entering its 36th season, THE TERRITORY includes contemporary films (and, occasionally, iconic historical work) in all genres—documentary, narrative, animation, and experimental.
OUR LEGACY AND FUTURE
THE TERRITORY has expanded the reach of experimental filmmakers, provided a platform for new work, and offered scholarship and mentorship to beginning artists, many of whom received their first funding or first exposure through the show and its support.
Here are just a few of the directors who have shared their work through THE TERRITORY and SWAMP:
Robert Rodriguez • Gus Van Sant • Jane Campion • Kat Candler • Kelly Sears • Jason Kovascev & Matt Mamula • Anne Silverstein • Darius Clark Monroe • Jason Mann • David Lowery • Jeremy Robbins • Julio Ramos • Soham Metha • Kelley Baker • Raquel Chapa • Steve Mims • Chris Eska • Bryan Poyser • Terrence Nance • Marek Dojs • Mary Magsamen
For 39 years, Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP) has been a major force in independent film and continues to promote the creation and appreciation of film, video, and new media as art forms of a multicultural community.
This legacy is important and as we premiere Season 36 this July. It’s time to take THE TERRITORY to the next level. We need your help.