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Arts & Culture

ONE DAY IN THE AMERICAN CITY (New Series Premiere)

ONE DAY IN THE AMERICAN CITY producers lead a focused effort to include up-and-coming filmmakers in the project.
Courtesy of One Day on Earth, LLC
ONE DAY IN THE AMERICAN CITY producers lead a focused effort to include up-and-coming filmmakers in the project.

Airs Tuesday, July 26, 2016 from 9-10:30 p.m. on KPBS TV

Homelessness, gentrification and new technology are explored.

Dive deep into the real stories that shape urban American. Filmed entirely in one 24-hour period, thousands of filmmakers capture joys and struggles, begging the question: What is the future of the American city? An investigation, prompted by 10 questions, brings together voices of experts and everyday people. From city mayors to homeless citizens, learn from a unique community investigation.

Drones rigged with cameras were used to gain incredible cityscape views shared throughout ONE DAY IN THE AMERICAN CITY, as seen here at Denver’s Union Station.
Courtesy of One Day on Earth, LLC
Drones rigged with cameras were used to gain incredible cityscape views shared throughout ONE DAY IN THE AMERICAN CITY, as seen here at Denver’s Union Station.
A disabled man sits on a bench playing guitar with a sign that reads "My name is Douglas Hall, disabled U.S.M. veteran - anything helps" in Venice, Calif. Homelessness and poverty are major issues explored in ONE DAY IN THE AMERICAN CITY.
Courtesy of One Day on Earth, LLC
A disabled man sits on a bench playing guitar with a sign that reads "My name is Douglas Hall, disabled U.S.M. veteran - anything helps" in Venice, Calif. Homelessness and poverty are major issues explored in ONE DAY IN THE AMERICAN CITY.
Citizens throughout Detroit share their views on the city’s biggest challenges.
Courtesy of One Day on Earth, LLC
Citizens throughout Detroit share their views on the city’s biggest challenges.
The unique character of U.S. cities is celebrated in ONE DAY IN THE AMERICAN CITY, as shown here with vibrant colors and architecture from New Orleans.
Courtesy of One Day on Earth, LLC
The unique character of U.S. cities is celebrated in ONE DAY IN THE AMERICAN CITY, as shown here with vibrant colors and architecture from New Orleans.
Several mayors are featured in the series, including Eric Garrett of Los Angeles, pictured here participating in an LA River clean-up event.
Courtesy of One Day on Earth, LLC
Several mayors are featured in the series, including Eric Garrett of Los Angeles, pictured here participating in an LA River clean-up event.

Framing the city as a center for innovation and humanity, ONE DAY IN THE AMERICAN CITY begins by examining why we live in metropolises in the first place. What is it that drives us to build and live in complex societies? The city, described as an organism, lives and breaths with culture and opportunity.

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Many challenges that face metro areas are also easily seen, while still, some are in the shadows. The show offers unique local access to citizens that are on the edge. Some of the individual stories and experiences shared link deeper into bigger issues and insecurities that face us all. Gentrification, homelessness, violent crime, climate change … can a total collapse of the system actually happen?

The story of the American city does have plenty of hope. And, through the lens of a diverse community of filmmakers, solutions and collective action are celebrated. From reformed prison inmates, to urban farmers, to MIT technologist, it is clear that fresh thinking, strong leadership and a true commitment to the future will ensure that the story of the American city is full of opportunity and fulfilled dreams.

EPISODE GUIDE:

Episode 1: “The Love of City” airs Tuesday, July 26 at 9 p.m. - Immerse yourself in the story of the American city, as told by thousands of filmmakers in a single day. Homelessness, gentrification, new technology, the sharing economy, gun laws and urban farming are just some of the topics explored.

Episode 2: “The Struggles Of Our Cities” airs Tuesday, July 26 at 9:30 p.m. - Confront the challenges of the American city, as told by thousands of filmmakers in a single day. Homelessness, gentrification, crime and climate change are just some of the topics explored.

Episode 3: “The Hope For Our Cities” airs Tuesday, July 26 at 10 p.m. - Learn about future solutions for American cities, as told by thousands of filmmakers in a single day. Environmental restoration, urban farming, criminal rehabilitation, transportation and new technology are just some of the topics explored.

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View a full list of filmmakers who contributed footage for this series.

ONE DAY IN THE AMERICAN CITY was produced by One Day on Earth, LLC.