Independent Lens Earns First Primetime Emmy Nomination

Independent Lens Earns First Primetime Emmy Nomination

'A Lion in the House,' an Inspiring Documentary about Childhood Cancer, Garners 'Exceptional Merit in Nonfiction Filmmaking' Nod

SAN FRANCISCO, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Independent Television Service (ITVS) announced today that its acclaimed anthology series Independent Lens, which airs Tuesday nights at 10:00 P.M. on PBS, has received its first national primetime Emmy nomination. The Independent Lens special presentation of A LION IN THE HOUSE, which follows six years in the lives of five families fighting childhood cancer, was nominated in the "Exceptional Merit in Nonfiction Filmmaking" category.

"We are honored to be nominated for our first primetime Emmy as we are about to begin our sixth season as a national primetime series," said Independent Lens Series Producer, Lois Vossen. "A LION IN THE HOUSE was a profoundly moving and ultimately inspiring documentary that touched the hearts of millions of viewers; it is gratifying to have the filmmakers, Julie Reichert and Steve Bognar recognized by the industry."

A LION IN THE HOUSE is an epic film about the pervasive realities of childhood cancer. From the trauma of diagnosis to the physical toll of treatment, from the stresses that can tear a family apart to the courage of children who face the possibility of death with honesty, humor and dignity, A LION IN THE HOUSE is an unprecedented portrait of this life-altering experience. As the film compresses six years into a two-part, four-hour narrative event, it puts viewers in the shoes of parents, physicians, nurses, siblings, grandparents and social workers as they struggle to defeat an indiscriminate and predatory disease.

A LION IN THE HOUSE was accompanied by an extensive national outreach campaign. Conducted in partnership with such preeminent organizations as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the American Cancer Society, the campaign worked to improve care and strengthen support systems for families fighting childhood cancer-especially those who face socio-economic challenges. Hundreds of events, including policy briefings on Capitol Hill and dozens of presentations at professional conferences and community clinics made this PBS Independent Lens broadcast into an important national tool in the battle against pediatric cancer.

The Primetime Emmy nomination builds on Independent Lens' prior Emmy wins in the News and Documentary category, A LION'S TRAIL (2006) for Outstanding Cultural and Artistic Programming and BE GOOD, SMILE PRETTY (2004) for best Documentary.

Production and Funding Credits

A LION IN THE HOUSE is a co-production of Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert and the Independent Television Service (ITVS) with funding provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Lance Armstrong Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, The Program for Media Artists, The Ohio Arts Council and The MacDowell Colony.

A LION IN THE HOUSE is produced and directed by Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert. Executive producer for ITVS is Sally Jo Fifer.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: The Independent Television Service

CONTACT: Dennis Palmieri, +1-415-356-8383, x 256,
dennis_palmieri@itvs.org, or Voleine Amilcar, +1-415-356-8383, x 244,
voleine_amilcar@itvs.org, both of The Independent Television Service

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Profile: International Entertainment