Join us this weekend as we retrace our past with three movies that take a look at historical figures and events that have helped changed the world. We start with one of the most well remembered hoaxes to ever see baseball, a Chinese artist who risks his life to fight for his country and the efforts of thousands of South Africans struggling for equality.
Recognized as one of the greatest depictions of the Black Sox scandal, Eight Men Out gives a first-hand look at the drama that unfolded during this event. Director John Sayles portrays the Chicago White Sox owner, Charlie Comiskey as a tough individual with no intent on rewarding his players for their outstanding season. After being offered the opportunity to make some money through gambling, eight members of the team are enticed by this scheme and make the decision to throw the World Series by deliberately playing bad. Rumors of a hoaxed series begin to spread and the eight players soon end up in court facing conspiracy charges.
Watch Eight Men Out on WETA TV26 & WETA HD Saturday at 9:30pm.
Known as one of China’s most famous contemporary artists, Ai WeiWei is most recognized for his artistic expression, political activism and his ability to communicate through social media. Ai is also known for his artistic involvement in the development of the Beijing National Stadium which hosted the 2008 Olympics. In a country built on a strict legal system, criticizing the Chinese government can be like dancing with death. Ai WeiWei: Never Sorry gives viewers an inside look at the dedication and efforts of Ai as he does what most would never dream of doing, express their opinions about the Chinese government. This independent documentary from American filmmaker, Allison Klayman, follows China’s most impressionable figures as he gains attention for his aspiring artwork and dedicated attempts to expose, in his belief, the true government of China.
Tune in this Saturday at 11:30pm for Independent Lens: Ai Wei Wei: Never Sorry.
For almost three decades, African Americans fought to end the pain and injustice that was caused by the racist system of Apartheid. This policy of segregation and discrimination ignited a flame that brought black leaders and the African American people together in hopes of putting a stop to the regime. In order to bring down the horrible system that plagued South Africa, African Americans would have to go to battle with one it’s most powerful allies, the United States of America. Developing campaigns, organizing civil rights movements and going against the opposition of President Ronald Reagan were some of the desperate measures that had to be taken in the fight for equality. Can the non-violent activists ultimately succeed in their efforts and for the first time in history, shift the United States foreign policy?
Tune in Sunday at 1:00am for Independent Lens: Have You Heard from Johannesburg: From Selma to Soweto
Born in 1926, Jerry Lewis is one of America’s most iconic slapstick comedians. He rose to fame with partner Dean Martin with the Martin and Lewis comedy act, which first appeared on television in 1948. In the 1950s, he embarked on a solo career and starred in films such asThe Ladies Man, The Nutty Professor, and It’s Only Money. More recently, Lewis has performed on Broadway and been awarded for his humanitarian acts, always known as being a key member of the comedic community.
This Saturday, comedian Jerry Lewis takes to the stage of the Showroom at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, as he tells stories of his eight-decade career in a tribute to his 87th birthday. The performance will feature narrative and musical acts by Lewis, as well as footage from his career, both classics and never before seen. At the end of the evening, Lewis will take questions from fans in the audience. Join us for this monumental presentation with Jerry Lewis, this Saturday at 6:30pm.
es a first-hand look at the drama that unfolded during this event. Director John Sayles portrays the Chicago White Sox owner, Charlie Comiskey as a tough individual with no intent on rewarding his players for their outstanding season. After being offered the opportunity to make some money through gambling, eight members of the team are enticed by this scheme and make the decision to throw the World Series by deliberately playing bad. Rumors of a hoaxed series begin to spread and the eight players soon end up in court facing conspiracy charges. 
his artistic expression, political activism and his ability to communicate through social media. Ai is also known for his artistic involvement in the development of the Beijing National Stadium which hosted the 2008 Olympics. In a country built on a strict legal system, criticizing the Chinese government can be like dancing with death. Ai WeiWei: Never Sorry gives viewers an inside look at the dedication and efforts of Ai as he does what most would never dream of doing, express their opinions about the Chinese government. This independent documentary from American filmmaker, Allison Klayman, follows China’s most impressionable figures as he gains attention for his aspiring artwork and dedicated attempts to expose, in his belief, the true government of China.
caused by the racist system of Apartheid. This policy of segregation and discrimination ignited a flame that brought black leaders and the African American people together in hopes of putting a stop to the regime. In order to bring down the horrible system that plagued South Africa, African Americans would have to go to battle with one it’s most powerful allies, the United States of America. Developing campaigns, organizing civil rights movements and going against the opposition of President Ronald Reagan were some of the desperate measures that had to be taken in the fight for equality. Can the non-violent activists ultimately succeed in their efforts and for the first time in history, shift the United States foreign policy?
