Women’s Basketball Film ‘Home Court’ from INDEPENDENT LENS And Southern California’s ‘WOMEN OF FIRE’ Documentary Featured in PBS SoCal’s 2025 Women’s History Month Programming
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Select programming will also be available to stream on PBS.org and the free PBS App. Members of PBS SoCal get extended access through PBS Passport.
Los Angeles, Calif. – Feb. 20, 2025 – PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS organization, today announced a compelling lineup of 17 enlightening programs in honor of Women's History Month this March. From the pioneering women of the past, to today's trailblazers, the content lineup presents stories of fearless creativity and the unstoppable passion of women everwhere. Highlights of this year’s Women’s History Month slate showcase the triumphs and struggles of a young female basketball prodigy in INDEPENDENT LENS “Home Court” as well as the path of Tony® Award–winning composer Jeanine Tesori’s work in GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET “Grounded” and the life of the renowned British cellist in the premiere of the documentary JACQUELINE DU PRÉ: GENIUS AND TRAGEDY. And after the recent devastating Los Angeles wildfires, PBS SoCal will encore last year’s 30-minute documentary WOMEN OF FIRE, offering a moving tribute to the female firefighters in the region.
INDEPENDENT LENS “Home Court” is a coming-of-age documentary about Ashley Chea, the Cambodian American basketball player as she navigates life and sports within the dynamics of her immigrant family. Filmed over three years of Ashely’s high school career as she endured the pressures of college recruitment and faced a devastating knee injury, viewers will watch Chea as she balances her life between her lower-income home in Los Angeles and the private school where she led her basketball team to notoriety, grappling with the complexities of racial and class differences. The 90-minute documentary will be broadcast on Mon., March 24 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal.
In light of the recent Southern California wildfires, PBS SoCal will encore WOMEN OF FIRE, exploring the female candidates of the Los Angeles County Women’s Fire Prep Academy. WOMEN OF FIRE is an insightful deep dive into what it takes to be a firefighter and highlights the passion of women firefighters, as well as the commitment and perseverance of perspective female candidates. The film will air on Wed., March 19 at 7:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus.
Meanwhile, on Fri., March 21 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal, GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET introduces viewers to the two-time Tony Award–winning composer Jeanine Tesori as she displays her visionary work in her new opera “Grounded.” The production is based on librettist George Brant’s play, exploring the ethical dilemmas and psychological toll of 21st-century warfare.
One week later, JACQUELINE DU PRÉ: GENIUS AND TRAGEDY commemorates the renowned British cellist on her 80th anniversary. Narrated by Grammy®-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the film explores Du Pré’s extraordinary musical brilliance and enigmatic genius. The film contains candid moments offstage and in rehearsal along with powerful concert performances. The documentary premieres on Fri., March 28th at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal.
Select content slated to air during Women’s History Month is listed as follows (*schedule subject to change):
WOMEN OF WORLD WAR II: THE UNTOLD STORIES – Tues., March 4 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
This documentary-series emphasizes the often-overlooked efforts of women during World War II. Watch exclusive and never-before-seen interviews from the “Fly Girls” and “Rosie-the-Riveters,” the trailblazing women who saved pilots and kept planes in the air. These pivotal figures acted as the “secret weapon” behind America’s victory in the war.
JODIE FOSTER, HOLLYWOOD UNDER THE SKIN – Fri., March 7 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
This documentary follows actress Jodie Foster through her many accomplishments in her life and career in the film industry. Featuring clips from her many productions, this retrospective cements Foster as one of the most significant individuals to have ever worked on both sides of the camera. From her origins as a child model and acclaimed young actor, she later transitioned behind-the-camera as a celebrated filmmaker.
AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Fly With Me” – Tues., March 18 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sat., Mar. 22 on PBS SoCal
Showcasing the women who defied societal expectations as flight attendants and navigated the world of limited opportunities fighting for equal rights in the work force, this production consists of firsthand accounts and personal stories of these women who were often neglected.
SINGING FOR JUSTICE – Tues., March 18 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sun., March 23 at 4 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
Follow the story of political activist and folk music performer Faith Petric in this upcoming documentary that highlights the powerful connection between music and 20th century social movements. The program is narrated by Petric, who integrated her music with progressive causes from the 1930s through the early 2000s, all the while being a mother and grandmother.
WOMEN OF FIRE – Wed., March 19 at 7:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
Follow a group of female candidates through the Los Angeles County Women’s Fire Prep Academy. As the women consider their future careers as firefighters, the film addresses how with almost 3,400 firefighters in the Southern California region, less than 100 women currently work for the department.
LA FRONTERA WITH PATI JINICH “Fronterizos of the Golden Coast” – Wed., March 19 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
Pati Jinich explores the California-Mexico border where she met those who live along the border, also known as “Fronterizos.” She discusses multicultural identity with journalist Jean Guerrero and explores culinary innovation in Baja California. From tasting the original Caesar Salad to getting in the ring with world champion boxer Jackie Nava, Jinich showcases the rich and diverse culture along the border.
AMERICAN MASTERS “Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimaged” – WED., March 19 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
This is the inspiring story of Dominican-American poet Julia Alvarez, who is considered one of the most significant contemporary Latina writers and one of the first to represent the experiences of Dominican immigrants through American literature. The film features interviews with Alvarez, her family and fellow writers.
GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET “Grounded” – Fri., March 21 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
The Tony® Award-winning composer Jeanine Tesori showcases her new opera “Grounded” at the Metropolitan Opera. Adopted from George Brant’s play, Tesori explores the dilemmas and psychological toll of a female fighter pilot during 21st century warfare. Emily D’Angelo stars as the protagonist whose life takes an unexpected turn after an unplanned pregnancy changes the trajectory of her career.
BEYOND THE CANVAS: WOMEN OF WONDER – Fri., March 21 at 11:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal
This PBS News Hour series celebrates some of the nation’s leading cultural creators. This episode features the achievements of five legendary women in the arts, including Dolly Parton and Julie Andrews.
LUCY WORSLEY INVESTIGATES “Bloody Mary” – Sun., March 23 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
Lucy Worsley’s investigation into the life and reputation of England’s first crowned queen, known as Bloody Mary.
MARIE ANTOINETTE “The Worst Winter” – Sun., March 23 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
In the first episode of season two of the beloved PBS drama, Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV prove to be compassionate and capable rulers. However, they still have enemies within the halls of Versailles.
SHAKING IT UP: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LIZ CARPENTER – Sun., March 23 at 5 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
This documentary showcases the 89 years of service from journalist, White House official, author and feminist leader Liz Carpenter. As a pivotal figure throughout the 20th century, Carpenter pushed an agenda for women's rights, the environment and political engagement and had an impact on historical events, including the JFK assassination and the launch of Great Society programs.
INDEPENDENT LENS: HOME COURT – Mon., March 24 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
Showcasing the triumphs and struggles of a young female athlete, INDEPENDENT LENS’ highly anticipated documentary follows the inspiring journey of Ashley Chea, a Cambodian American basketball prodigy who finds that her life intensifies amid college recruitment, injury and triumph.
JACQUELINE DU PRE: GENIUS AND TRAGEDY – Fri., March 28 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
Introduced and narrated by Grammy-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the film tells the story of one of the greatest cellists of all time: Jacqueline du Pré and her enigmatic genius.
THE PHILADELPHIA ELEVEN - Sun., March 30 at 4 p.m. on PBS SoCal
This feature-length documentary highlights the first women ever ordained as episcopal priests in 1974. Despite experiencing harassment, they started a movement that challenged the patriarchy within Christendom.
CALL THE MIDWIFE - Sun., March 30 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
Returning for the 14th season, the beloved British drama series follows the lives of midwives and nuns working in the impoverished East End of London during the 1950s. Based on the best-selling memoirs of the late Jennifer Worth, the show focuses on a young woman raised in the wealthy English countryside who chooses to become a nurse.
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