Actor Liam Neeson Narrates Three Award-Winning Environmental Documentaries From MacGillivray Freeman Films Making U.S. Broadcast Premieres During Earth Month on PBS SoCal
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Los Angeles, Calif. – March 12, 2025 – PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS organization, today announced the U.S. broadcast premiere of a series of documentary films by MacGillivray Freeman Films. Directed by two-time Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Greg MacGillivray and narrated by Academy Award® nominated actor Liam Neeson, three films – EVEREST, CORAL REEF ADVENTURE and IRELAND take viewers on a journey around the globe through some of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural landmarks just in time for PBS SoCal’s Earth month slate of programming. The documentaries begin to roll out starting Tues., April 1 at 6:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus. Following the broadcasts, all three documentaries will stream at pbssocal.org/earthmonth and on the free PBS app.
Marking the first time this new remastered version will be shown on U.S. broadcast television, EVEREST chronicles the true story of a team of climbers who ascended Mount Everest just days after the tragic 1996 disaster. The film follows the four international climbers and their inspiring journey to the peak of the world’s tallest mountain as they find hope, beauty and triumph in the wake of tragedy. Capturing the first-ever IMAX® images from the summit, the film went on to become the highest-grossing giant screen documentary film of all time. EVEREST premieres on Wed., April 2 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal, with a special encore on PBS SoCal Plus on Sun., April 6 at 8 p.m. PT.
CORAL REEF ADVENTURE takes audiences deep below the oceans to explore the beauty and fragility of vital Coral Reef ecosystems. The film follows the personal journeys of underwater filmmaker duo Howard and Michele Hall on a 10-month expedition documenting some of the world’s most vibrant and endangered coral reefs near Australia, Tahiti and Fiji. The documentary also marks a historic achievement capturing the deepest underwater IMAX footage ever recorded in the open ocean. CORAL REEF ADVENTURE premieres on Wed., April 9 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal, with a special encore on PBS SoCal Plus on Sun., April 13 at 8 p.m. PT.
IRELAND offers a sweeping exploration of the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of the Emerald Isle. From the historic Trinity College Library and the world-famous illuminated manuscript, The Book of Kells, to iconic natural landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher, the volcanic Giant’s Causeway and the rugged Skellig Islands where researchers study local puffins. Guided by Irish writer Manchán Magan, violinist Patricia Treacy and four Irish teens embark on a journey to connect with their heritage and explore the country’s vibrant customs, language and traditions. IRELAND premieres on Tues., April 1 at 6:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus, with a special encore on PBS SoCal on Mon., April 28 at 4:30 p.m. PT.
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About PBS SoCal
PBS SoCal uses the power of public media for good, strengthening the civic fabric of Southern California and providing our community with an essential connection to a wider world. As a local, donor/member-supported non-profit organization, PBS SoCal programming is available to viewers on all key streaming platforms via the free PBS App and PBS KIDS App as well as over-the-air, via seven channels — including 2 primary broadcast channels, PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus. With a commitment to make content available anytime and anywhere for free, PBS SoCal reaches nearly 19M viewers in the region with programming that reflects the diversity of Southern California and showcases the full schedule of beloved and trusted PBS content spanning Education, News, Environment and Arts & Culture. PBS SoCal also sparks the sharing of ideas at in-person cultural events and community conversations as well as prepares children for kindergarten and beyond by bringing bilingual, hands-on learning experiences to the community for free.
About MacGillivray Freeman Films
MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant-screen 70mm films with 48 films for IMAX® and giant-screen theaters to its credit. Throughout the company’s 50-year history, its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award® nominations and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame. MacGillivray Freeman’s films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one-billion-dollar benchmark for worldwide box office. For more information about the company, visit macgillivrayfreeman.com.